Clinton clips Kernels 3-1

CLINTON, Iowa - The Clinton LumberKings downed the Kernels 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at Ashford University Field.

Gaby Guerrero gave Clinton the first lead of the game with a solo home run to left field in the second inning. It was Guerrero's third homer of the season.

The LumberKings took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning with the help of a pair of Kernels errors. Tyler Marlette began the inning by reaching second base on a two-base, throwing error by shortstop Niko Goodrum. Marlette made his way to third base on a groundout , and he scored when Zach Shank reached on a two-out, fielding error by second baseman Tyler Grimes.

The Kernels got on the board in the eighth inning, trimming the Clinton lead to 2-1. Jonathan Murphy led off the frame by ripping a double down the left field line. Niko Goodrum then singled through the left side to put runners on the corners. Murphy then scored with Tyler Grimes reached with a RBI fielder's choice.

Clinton added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning, making the score 3-1. Dario Pizzano doubled and then came home on Tyler Marlette's RBI single.

Tim Atherton (8-5) started for the Kernels and went six innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out five and walking none. Alex Muren pitched a scoreless inning while Madison Boer allowed a run in one inning of work.

Clinton's Blake Holovach made a spot-start for the LumberKings and struck out nine Kernels over 3.2 innings in a no-decision effort. He allowed no runs and three hits. Mark Bordonaro (3-4) collected the win in relief as went 3.1 scoreless and hitless innings. He struck out six and walked two. Oliver Garcia picked up a two-inning save, allowing one run on two hits.

The Kernels struck out 15 times in the game.

NEXT GAME:Monday, September 2 @ Clinton LumberKings (Mariners) - 2:00 p.m.

Ashford University Field

Cedar Rapids: LHP Miguel Sulbaran (8-4, 2.93) v. Clinton: LHP Steven Ewing (1-1, 4.91)

NEXT HOME GAME: Thursday, September 5 v. Quad Cities - 6:35 p.m.

(Game 2-MWL Playoffs - Quarterfinals)

Tickets:  Available at www.kernels.com or at the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 319-896-7650 (Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2)

Radio:  KMRY 1450 AM/93.1 FM & www.kernels.com