Peoria Prevails Over Palm, Kernels

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Despite a quality start from Tyler Palm, the Cedar Rapids Kernels dropped a 4-1 decision Friday evening against the Peoria Chiefs at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Peoria improved to 21-26 overall while claiming a 1-0 lead within this four-game series at Cedar Rapids (23-25).
Palm (1-4) tallied a game-high five strikeouts over a personal-best 6.2 innings pitched but still took the loss in the series opener. He gave up two runs and six hits within his second consecutive quality start. Palm has also racked up 21 strikeouts compared to three walks as a starting pitcher after beginning the season as a reliever.

The Kernels grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Jared Akins led off with a single - securing a career-best nine-game hit streak in the process - and advanced to third base on Ben Rodriguez's one-out double. A walk to Jacob Pearson loaded the bases, and Andrew Bechtold hit a sacrifice fly that drove in Akins.
Peoria pulled even during the top of the sixth. A leadoff single from Jhon Torres and a double for Wadye Ynfante put a pair of baserunners in scoring position. Two batters later, Delvin Perez grounded into an infield single that plated Torres for a 1-1 tie.
Leandro Cedeno drove the Chiefs in front within the final frames. Cedeno gave Peoria a 2-1 lead by smashing a seventh-inning solo shot. In the ninth, he brought in Brady Whalen with an RBI double and added a run of his own after a single by Torres to finalize Peoria's winning margin of 4-1.
Chiefs relievers Fabian Blanco (2-1) and Sebastian Tabata each tossed two shutout innings in the 4-1 victory. Blanco picked up the win, and Tabata earned his third save in as many chances.
This four-game series continues Saturday at 6:35 p.m. with Kernels right-hander Cole Sands (2-1, 2.48) slated to pitch against Chiefs right-hander Alvaro Seijas (3-4, 2.55). Broadcast coverage will be available on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Postgame fireworks are scheduled to follow Saturday's contest. Star Wars Night features special Yoda-themed Kernels jerseys that will be sold during the game via silent auction to benefit the American Cancer Society. The first 1,000 fans through the gates Saturday will receive a free pair of Star Wars character socks, and members of the 501st Central Garrison will be on hand for photos.
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.