Rocky sixth sinks Kernels in Thursday heartbreaker

Cedar Rapids, IA – A four-run sixth sunk the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Thursday evening in a 5-4 loss to the Beloit Sky Carp. Seth Gray collected his second straight three-hit game while Alerick Soularie and Will Holland each tallied a pair of knocks to lead the Kernels lineup. Cedar Rapids falls to 59-40, 16-17 in the second half.

Orlando Rodriguez threw well in opening a scheduled staff day for the Kernels, striking out six and walking none while scattering three hits over 3.2 innings of three-hit ball.

The Kernels opened the scoring in the first as Alerick Soularie singled, stole second, moved to third on a balk then crossed home on a wild pitch. An inning later saw nearly the same circumstances net Cedar Rapids a 2-0 lead – Willie Joe Garry Jr. drew a walk, swiped second and third then scored on a wild pitch.

Beloit plated their first run in the third. Cedar Rapids responded a few frames later in the fifth as Gray plated Kyler Fedko with a double floated down the right field line.

Derek Molina punched out three batters over 1.2 scoreless following Rodriguez, scattering three hits.

Four runs came in for the Sky Carp in the sixth, handing the Kernels a 5-2 deficit.

The Kernels bullpen solidified in the later stages, keeping the game close. Ryan Shreve fired 2.0 scoreless innings of one-hit ball, striking out a pair, then Matthew Swain added two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 ninth.

Cedar Rapids mounted a comeback effort in the ninth as Aaron Sabato singled home Soularie, but the Kernels would leave the tying and winning runs both in scoring position.

Game four of the series is set for 6:35 p.m. CT on Friday evening at Veterans Memorial Stadium as the Kernels host Busch Light Night.

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