Kernels drop opener of road trip to Loons

MIDLAND, MI - The Kernels fell 8-4 at Great Lakes on Tuesday night in the first game of a six-game road trip. The Loons scored three runs in both the second and sixth innings. Jeremias Pineda and Bryan Haar both homered for the Kernels in the loss.

The Loons (4-1) jumped out to an early 4-0 lead by plating three runs in the second inning and one run in the third inning. Justin Chigbogu blasted a two-run home run in the second inning, putting the Loons up by a pair. Later in the inning, Jesmuel Valentin was hit by a pitch and scored on Dillon Moyer's RBI double. In the third inning, Paul Hoenecke plated Kyle Farmer with a RBI double, extending the Loons lead to four runs.

Zack Larson doubled to lead off the fourth inning for the Kernels. It was one of three hits, including two hits, on the night for Larson. He scored on Michael Quesada's RBI double, cutting the Loons lead to 4-1.

Great Lakes got that run back quickly in the bottom of the fourth inning when Valentin walked, went to third base on Moyer's second double, and scored on a wild pitch.

Bryan Harr went to the opposite field for his second home run of the season for the Kernels in the sixth inning, making the score 5-2. Harr's solo blast snuck of the wall in right field.

Great Lakes put things away in the bottom of the sixth inning with three more runs. Malcolm Holland's RBI single plated Valentin. Two batters later, Farmer delivered the big blow with a two-run triple deep into the right field corner. The triple scored Holland and Jacob Scavuzzo, increasing the Loons lead to 8-2.

The Kernels added two more runs in the seventh inning when Jeremias Pineda knocked a two-run home run over the wall in straight-away center field. Pineda's long ball plated Chad Christensen, who had reached on a bunt single to start the frame.

Felix Jorge (0-1) took the loss for the Kernels on the mound. He went three innings and allowed four runs on five hits while striking out three. Christian Powell allowed four runs, four hits, and four walks with two strikeouts in just over two innings of work. Alex Muren allowed two hits and no runs in over two innings in relief.

Greg Harris (1-0) collected the win for Great Lakes, going five innings and allowing one run. He struck out six, walked one, and allowed four hits. 

The Kernels continue the three-game series at Great Lakes, the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, on Wednesday evening at 5:05 p.m. (CT). The Kernels play at Lansing beginning on Friday.

The Kernels are scheduled to send RHP Aaron Slegers (0-0, 3.60) to the hill on Wednesday night. Great Lakes will counter with RHP Jonathan Martinez (1-0, 0.00).

The Kernels return home on April 14, opening up a six-game home stand against South Bend and West Michigan. The game on April 14 v. South Bend begins at 6:35 p.m. and is the first Dollar Monday of the season. Regular hot dogs, small popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, chips, and Cracker Jacks are each just $1 on Monday home games!

Tickets are available at www.kernels.com! You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Memorial Stadium or call 319-896-7560!

Kernels games are broadcast live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and streamed online at www.kernels.com!