Kernels slide past Lansing for 7th straight

Tyler Duffey (3-1) went 8 innings for the victory, and Tyler Jones picked up his 3rd save for the Kernels 7th win in a row. Dalton Hicks drove home Niko Goodrum with a RBI single in the 8th inning. Jorge Polanco went 3-4 with RBI. Travis Harrison went 2-3 with 2B & RBI.

By Matt Cozzi

April 28, 2013

Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Dalton Hicks lined a base hit for a go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the 8^th 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 9^th 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 2^nd. 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 3^rd, 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 3^rd, 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 5^th, 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)