Matthews Dominates as Kernels Walk-Off Peoria 1-0

Cedar Rapids, IA - After Kernels starter Zebby Matthews matched a season-high with nine strikeouts across seven scoreless innings, Cedar Rapids walked off Peoria on an error to take down the Chiefs in game four of the series 1-0.

Just recently named Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April, Zebby Matthews picked up right where he left off in his first start in May. The Kernels right-hander logged a career-high seven innings, the longest outing for a Kernel since Louie Varland in 2021, and did not allow a run. He allowed just three hits with a season-high nine strikeouts and no walks.

His counterpart, Pete Hansen, was just as sharp for Peoria. Hansen tossed six scoreless frames notching eight strikeouts while allowing just three hits.

With the game still tied 0-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Danny De Andrade was hit by a pitch with one out. After a flyout for the second out in the inning, Misael Urbina lifted a line drive to left field that was dropped by left fielder Zach Levenson. De Andrade came around all the way from first base to score the game-winning run in the Kernels' first walk-off win of the season, 1-0.

Ricardo Velez picked up the win for the Kernels. In relief of Matthews, Velez struck out four batters and did not allow a hit in two scoreless frames.

The win is the Kernels' first shoutout victory of the season and it improves Cedar Rapids to a season-best two games over .500 at 13-11. Game five of the six-game series is set for tomorrow at 6:35 with Darren Bowen on the mound for Cedar Rapids opposite Hancel Rincon.