Kernels Return to Play with 7-0 Shutout

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – In their first game in 603 days, the Cedar Rapids Kernels posted a 7-0 three-hit shutout Tuesday against the Peoria Chiefs in front of a socially-distanced sellout crowd of 1,707 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Kody Funderburk, Andrew Cabezas (1-0), and Melvi Acosta combined for the scoreless outing. Each pitcher allowed just one hit while recording two strikeouts apiece over multiple innings of work. Cabezas received credit for the win after tossing four shutout frames.

The Kernels (1-0) started their wire-to-wire victory with a three-run first inning that featured three consecutive extra-base hits. Mall Wallner’s double put two runners in scoring position with only one out. Jair Camargo added a double to drive in Spencer Steer and Wallner. Gabe Snyder followed by hitting an RBI triple for a 3-0 advantage.

Seth Gray pushed the lead to 5-0 Cedar Rapids in the second. Steer drew a leadoff walk and scored from first base when Gray doubled. A pair of wild pitches allowed Gray to score a run of his own.

Tallies during the third and fourth frames pushed the Kernels to their winning margin of 7-0. Maciel swiped home during a double steal with Steer in the bottom of the third. Four consecutive walks within the fourth brought Snyder in for the final run of the contest.

Ian Bedell (0-1) was charged with the loss in his professional debut for Peoria (0-1). The Davenport, Iowa native was tagged for three runs before being replaced with two outs during the home half of the first inning.

This season-opening homestand continues Wednesday at 6:35 p.m., and the probable starters are Kernels right-hander Ben Gross (0-0, -.--) and Chiefs right-hander Jack Ralston (0-0, -.--). Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will call the action online at www.kernels.com and MiLB.TV.

Wednesday’s contest will be the first of six games this season where Cedar Rapids will play as “las Cinco Estaciones de Cedar Rapids” to recognize and celebrate Hispanic culture as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversión” series.

Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.