Kernels Tame Timber Rattlers, 3-2

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels picked up a 3-2 victory Friday against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in front of 3,419 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Cedar Rapids (2-0, 34-37) earned its second consecutive one-run triumph to take a 2-0 advantage in this four-game series with Wisconsin (0-2, 31-40).
Bailey Ober started Friday's contest with a strong outing. He recorded a season-high nine strikeouts and fanned the first five batters that he faced. Wisconsin's KJ Harrison broke up the strikeout streak by hitting a solo home run in the second inning for the only run that scored against Ober.

The Kernels broke through in the fifth and took a 2-1 lead. Dylan File gave up a leadoff double to Jean Carlos Arias followed by a walk to Trey Cabbage. Two batters later, Jordan Gore singled to drive in Arias. Cabbage advanced to third base on the play and scored on a force out off the bat of Akil Baddoo.
Wisconsin quickly pulled even, 2-2, within the sixth inning. Three one-out singles loaded the bases against Melvi Acosta, and a groundout by Gilbert Lara allowed Trever Morrison to come home and tie the contest.
David Banuelos produced the deciding play of Friday's game during the bottom of the seventh. Cabbage hit a one-out triple off Gabe Friese (2-4). Bañuelos followed with a go-ahead single that gave Cedar Rapids a 3-2 edge. Friese was tagged for the loss as a result.
Calvin Faucher (2-2) received credit for the victory after tossing three scoreless and hitless innings of relief. After a perfect seventh inning, he stranded multiple runners within the eighth and finished with a 1-2-3 ninth inning to secure Cedar Rapids' win.
This four-game series continues Saturday with Kernels right-hander Jordan Balazovic (1-1, 2.30) scheduled to face Timber Rattlers right-hander Nelson Hernandez (7-4, 4.76). First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m., and coverage will be available on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Postgame fireworks will follow Saturday's tilt. State Fair Weekend opens with carnival games on the concourse during and after the contest. Plus, the first 1,000 fans through the gates Saturday will receive a free admission pass to the Great Jones County Fair.
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.