Loons Lift Off for Shutout, Series Sweep

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Three home runs powered the Great Lakes Loons to a 7-0 triumph Friday against the Cedar Rapids Kernels in front of 3,303 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. John Rooney, Guillermo Zuniga, and Jasiel Alvino combined for a four-hit shutout that gave Great Lakes (11-10, 54-34) a three-game sweep.
James Outman launched the Loons in front, 1-0, during the second inning. Outman's two-out solo shot cleared the right-field wall just a few feet away from a leaping Jared Akins.

A pair of three-run clouts extended the advantage to 7-0 Great Lakes by the end of the fifth. Jacob Amaya belted a homer to left-center field within the third. Hunter Feduccia added a fifth-inning blast over the fence in left field.
Rooney (5-2) tossed six shutout innings to pick up the victory. He yielded only two base hits and two walks while collecting six strikeouts. Rooney also retired the final seven batters that he faced in succession. Zuniga did not allow any runs in two frames of relief, and Alvino worked around a leadoff double and a one-out walk within a scoreless ninth inning.
Josh Winder (6-2) was charged with the loss for Cedar Rapids (12-9, 51-40) after surrendering a career-high seven runs in five innings. He recorded a game-high eight strikeouts and secured his 15th consecutive start of at least five full frames to begin the season.
Cedar Rapids will continue its six-game homestand by playing the Lansing Lugnuts which are managed by former Kernels infielder Dallas McPherson. Saturday's tilt is set for 6:35 p.m. with Kernels right-hander Andrew Cabezas (3-5, 3.53) and Lugnuts right-hander Juan De Paula (3-3, 7.76) scheduled to face each other. Morgan Hawk will have the coverage 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 series opener Saturday. "The Bachelor" theme night features an appearance from 2017 "The Bachelorette" runner-up Peter Kraus with opportunities fans to get photos and autographs. He will also host a Bachelor Boot Camp workout on the field Saturday morning. The Freedom from Hunger Food Drive will collect non-perishable food items and cash donations outside the main gates.
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.