Kernels finish sweep of Cougars with big 4th inning
GENEV
GENEV
GENEVA, Ill. - The Kernels used a six-run 4th inning to win 7-3 at Kane County and finish off the sweep of the Cougars in the best of three Midwest League Quarterfinals. Cedar Rapids advances to the Western Division Championship Series for the fourth consecutive season. The Kernels have now swept their opening round playoff opponent in three straight years.
The Kernels will play either Peoria or Quad Cities, who will play a deciding Game 3 on Friday night in Davenport.
Kane County jumped ahead 2-0 in the second inning on a two-out, two-run single to center by
Kane County's starter
All in all, six runs scored in the fourth inning on seven hits as the Kernels sent 11 to the dish to take a 6-2 lead. Five consecutive singles started the frame, beginning with
Kane County cut the Kernels lead to 6-3 in the seventh inning. Sanchez began the inning with a single, eventually scoring after a two-out error.
Ben Rortvedt's RBI single in the eighth inning pushed the Kernels lead to 7-3. It scored Kerrigan, who singled to start the inning.
McWilliams (0-1) took the loss for the Cougars, allowing six runs on seven hits. He struck out four and walked none.
The Kernels begin the best of three Western Division Championship Series on the road on Saturday night at either Peoria or Quad Cities. Cedar Rapids will host Game 2 on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. and Game 3 on Monday at 6:35 p.m., if necessary.
First pitch for Sunday's Game 2 is at 4:05 p.m. from Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Tickets may be purchased online anytime at www.kernels.com. The Kernels Ticket Office will be open on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 319-896-7560 or by stopping by the Kernels Ticket Office. The Kernels Ticket Office will also be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Fans can listen to the play-by-play action on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM, as well as online at www.kernels.com and www.kmryradio.com.