Varland ties career-high 11 strikeouts, but Kernels fall

Varland ties career-high 11 strikeouts, but Kernels fall

PEORIA, Illinois -- For the first time this season, the Cedar Rapids Kernels lost back-to-back games to the Peoria Chiefs after dropping Wednesday's contest, 2-1.

Kernels' starter Louie Varland pitched a gem despite getting the loss. He pitched six innings, gave up just four hits, two runs, no walks, and tied a career and season-high with 11 strikeouts.

Peoria scored first in the bottom of the first when Jordan Walker scored on an error committed by Daniel Ozoria, giving the Chiefs a 1-0 lead.

The Kernels responded in the top of the fifth inning when Jair Camargo lined a base hit to center field, scoring Aaron Sabato, which tied the game 1-1.

Then in the bottom of the sixth, Jordan Walker smacked a single to left field, scoring Masyn Wynn, giving the Chiefs a 2-1 lead.

The Kernels started out the top of the ninth with a leadoff double from Seth Gray, putting him in scoring position. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. struck out for the first out. Then, Camargo smacked a liner right to the shortstop Masyn Winn and he threw to second base to double off Gray to end the game.

With the loss, the Kernels are now tied for the second playoff spot in the HACL championship series with Lake County. Both teams sit at 63-53 overall. Great Lakes is one game back in the post-season race.

Peoria and Cedar Rapids will meet again on Thursday at 6:35 p.m.