Peoria pushes past Kernels in extras

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Peoria Chiefs defeated the Kernels, 6-2, in 10 innings on Friday night. There are two games remaining in the first half.

Patrick Wisdom put the Chiefs on the board in the 4^th with a solo home run to the opposite way over the right field wall. Peoria pushed across another run in the 8^th as three straight batters reached base. Jordan Walton scored on an RBI single by Nick Martini to put the Chiefs up 2-0.

The Kernels would respond in the bottom of the 8^th, however. Byron Buxton led off the frame with a single, stole second, and then advanced to third on a J.D. Williams fly out. With 2 outs, Dalton Hicks powered a 1-1 pitch over the pavillion in left for a 2-run home run to tie the game at 2. The homer is the 10^th on the season for Hicks.

In extras, Luiz Perez hit a 3-run home run to break the game open, scoring Martini and Jesus Montero for a 6-2 lead.

Buxton and Williams both reached base in the 10^th, but the Kernels were held without a run.

Hicks finished the contest 2-for-5 while Adam Brett Walker and Buxton also had multi-hit games, going 2-for-4 and 2-for-5 respectively.

For the Chiefs, Wisdom and Martini both finished 3-for-5.

Kernels starter Brett Lee put together a solid outing. The left-hander threw 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 8 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. Kaleb Merck allowed 1 run on 3 hits in 2 innings as the first reliever out of the bullpen. Left-hander Steve Gruver (4-2) allowed 4 unearned runs in the 10^th.

Chiefs starter Joe Cuda didn't allow a run in 6 innings, scattering 4 hits. The right-hander walked 1 batter and struck out 4. Joseph Scanio (2-1) recorded the victory with 2 scoreless innings. 

NEXT GAME:

Saturday, June 15 v. Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals) - 5:05 p.m.

Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium                           

Cedar Rapids: RHP Hudson Boyd (1-3, 6.02) v. Peoria: LHP Hector Hernandez (3-2, 4.07)

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

Promotions: Fireworks, presented by Procter & Gamble! Slap N' Tickle post-game concert! The Kernels will wear special ALS jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction. The proceeds will benefit ALS.

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)