Kernels Split Pair of Games with Chiefs

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Peoria Chiefs defeated the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 4-2, in the completion of a suspended game from Wednesday before Cedar Rapids picked up a 4-0 victory in a seven-inning contest Thursday at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. This three-game series between Cedar Rapids (32-21, 64-58) and Peoria (31-20, 70-51) is tied at 1-1.
The Kernels quickly secured a 1-0 lead when the suspended game continued in the first inning. Play resumed with one out, two runners aboard, and a 1-2 count on Trevor Larnach when Alvaro Seijas recorded a strikeout. Ben Rodriguez followed with an RBI double that plated Ryan Jeffers.

Randy Dobnak, Blayne Enlow, and Calvin Faucher combined for seven scoreless innings before Peoria rallied in front, 4-1, during the eighth inning. Nick Plummer's two-out single and Luken Baker's walk extended the inning. Julio Rodriguez singled to tie the game, and Brandon Benson added a go-ahead double. Brandon Riley loaded the bases with a walk prior to a two-run single from Rayder Ascanio.
Peoria's lead was trimmed to 4-2 in the bottom of the eighth. Jacob Pearson drove in Rodriguez via force out, but the Chiefs held on for the series-opening win.
Seijas (5-7) allowed an inherited run to score but gave up no runs of his own over 6.2 innings pitched for the victory. Faucher gave up four runs in three innings within a losing decision. Patrick Dayton recorded his second save while finishing the game.
In the seven-inning contest, Cedar Rapids scored in each of the first two innings for a 4-0 advantage. Rodriguez produced a two-run double during the first inning, and Andrew Bechtold later drew a bases-loaded walk. Akil Baddoo led off the second inning with a triple and scored on Jeffers' two-run double.
Melvi Acosta and Jared Finkel combined for a five-hit shutout. Acosta tallied five strikeouts over a season-high 4.1 innings pitched, and Finkel (5-3) completed the contest to earn the victory. Thomas St. Clair (2-4) was the losing pitcher for Peoria after allowing four runs in one-plus inning pitched.
Friday's series finale between Cedar Rapids and Peoria is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., and Kernels right-hander Jordan Balazovic (6-3, 4.13) will start against Chiefs right-hander Angel Rondon (3-0, 2.29). Morgan Hawk will call the game on 1450 KMRY AM, 93.1 KMRY FM, and KCRG 9.2 and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Postgame fireworks will follow the homestand finale. The first 1,000 fans through the gates Friday will receive a free Kernels Blackout Cap courtesy of Electronic Engineering. The Kernels will wear their Great Clips Twins Tuesday jerseys, and those jerseys will be sold during the game at the ballpark via silent auction. It is also Kernels Friday Mug Club Night sponsored by Stadium Bar & Grill, Shuey's Restaurant & Lounge, Red's Public House, Mulligan's Pub, and Z102.9.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.