Wisconsin Wins Despite Rijo's Return

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Luis Rijo tossed five shutout innings in his first game back with the Cedar Rapids Kernels off the injured list, but the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers scored twice against the bullpen for a 2-0 win Thursday evening in front of a season-high 3,419 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Freisis Adames, Reese Olson, and Anthony Bender pitched the Timber Rattlers (30-36) to a four-hit shutout.
The Kernels (36-31) are now two games behind the Burlington Bees (38-29) in the race for the Western Division First-Half Wild Card. Burlington inched closer to the playoff berth with a 7-6 victory at the Kane County Cougars (33-33).

Rijo needed just 57 pitches to record five scoreless frames. Rijo, who also posted a shutout start May 20 against Burlington prior to his stint on the injured list, faced just one batter over the minimum Thursday and gave up one hit without allowing any runs or walks.
Wisconsin scored two runs against Alex Schick (1-1) to jump in front, 2-0, in the sixth inning. David Fry hit an RBI single that plated Korry Howell, and Jesus Lujano followed with an RBI groundout to drive in Brice Turang. Schick yielded two runs in his lone inning of work and suffered the loss.
Adames (1-0) notched his first Midwest League victory to open the combined shutout. He registered a season-high seven strikeouts and six innings pitched. Adames also secured a scoreless appearance for the first time this year.
Olson and Bender provided relief and completed the 2-0 Timber Rattlers triumph. Olson kept the Kernels scoreless in the seventh and eighth innings for his team-high-tying second hold. Bender's perfect ninth inning led to his third save in four chances.
This six-game Kernels homestand continues Friday with the opener of a three-game series with the Clinton LumberKings. Friday's contest will begin at 6:35 p.m., and Cedar Rapids right-hander Josh Winder (4-1, 2.64) is scheduled to start against Clinton right-hander George Soriano (0-4, 5.79). Broadcast coverage will be available 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.
The first 1,000 fans through the gates Friday will receive a free rally towel as part of UNI Night. The Kernels will wear special Panther-themed jerseys that will be sold during the game via silent auction to benefit the Panther Scholarship Club. Kernels Friday Mug Club Night, sponsored by Stadium Bar & Grill, Shuey's Restaurant & Lounge, Mr. B's, Mulligan's Pub, and Z102.9, encourages fans to get a 16 oz. souvenir mug for $6.00 that can be used for $3.00 refills at every Kernels Friday home game.
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.