Kernels slide past Lansing for 7th straight
Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Dalton Hicks lined a base hit for a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the 8th as the Kernels defeated the Lansing Lugnuts, 4-3, on Sunday afternoon.
With two on and two out, Hicks drilled a Will Browning fastball through the right side of the infield to score Niko Goodrum, whose 2-out walk extended the inning. The Kernels (16-5) have now won 7 straight games.
Starter Tyler Duffey went 8 strong innings for the Kernels, yielding 3 runs on 7 hits and striking out 4. Duffey (3-1) was relieved in the 9th by Tyler Jones, who posted his first save of the season after he retired the side in order.
The Kernels struck first as they recorded 2 runs in the 2nd. The first three hitters reached base with Travis Harrison - fresh off his game-winning RBI single on Saturday night against Great Lakes - doubling home Adam Brett Walker. Two batters later, Tyler Grimes lined a ball to center for a sacrifice fly.
In the 3rd, Dalton Pompey tripled home Seth Connor with two outs in the frame for Lansing (7-13). Jorge Polanco singled home Byron Buxton in the bottom half of the 3rd, though, to increase the Kernels lead to 3-1.
Polanco went 3-for-4 while Buxton went 1-for-3 with a walk. Buxton has now reached base in all 20 games he's played in.
In the 5th, Lugnuts first baseman Kellen Sweeney connected for a solo home run to center. The Cedar Rapids native finished the day 2-for-3 in front of a nice crowd of family and friends behind the Lugnuts dugout.
NEXT GAME:
Monday, April 29 (6:35 p.m.) vs. Lansing Lugnuts (Toronto Blue Jays)
(Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium)
Cedar Rapids: RHP Jose Berrios (1-0, 3.60) vs. Lansing: RHP Taylor Cole (1-1, 3.26)
Radio: KMRY 1450 AM/93.1 FM & www.kernels.com
Promotions: Dollar Monday! Get regular hot dogs, small popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, chips, and Cracker Jack for each just $1.
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)