Powell & Harrison lead Kernels over Wisconsin

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. - The Kernels downed Wisconsin 3-1 on Thursday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium in the second-half opener. Christian Powell was excellent on the hill for his first win while Travis Harrison homered and led the offense.

Powell (1-1) pitched the Kernels to the victory with the best of his three starts on the season. He went a season-high seven innings, allowing a single run on only four hits. He struck out five and walked two. Caleb Brewer recorded his first save, pitching two scoreless innings while striking out one and allowing two hits.

Travis Harrison went 2-for-4 with a couple of runs batted in and a pair of runs scored.

Harrison gave the Kernels a 2-0 lead in the second inning when he hit his 12th long-ball of the season - a towering two-run home run to left field. Max Kepler drew a two-out walk in front of Harrison and came along for the ride. It was Harrison's third home run in five games against the Rattlers this season and his second long ball off of Wisconsin's Eric Semmelhack.

Harrison again sparked a two-out run in the fourth inning as he doubled to right-center after the first two hitters had been retired. Michael Quesada then walked to put two men on. A J.D. Williams RBI single up the middle scored Harrison, putting the Kernels in front 3-0.

Wisconsin tallied their only run in the fifth inning, cutting the Kernels lead to 3-1. Mike Garza drew a leadoff walk and later scored on a RBI fielder's choice by Orlando Arcia.

The Timber Rattlers saw two additional scoring chances halted by double plays. In the fourth inning Wisconsin stranded a man at third when a liner was caught by second baseman Jorge Polanco, who then threw to first base to double off a runner. In the ninth innng the Rattlers put the first two men on. However, after a failed sacrifice bunt attempt on the first pitch Mike Garza then bounced into a double play.

Eric Semmelhack (1-3) took the loss for Wisconsin, going six innings and allowing three runs.

NEXT GAME:

Friday, June 20 @ Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - 7:05 p.m. 

Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium

Cedar Rapids: LHP Josue Montanez (1-1, 4.66) v. Wisconsin: RHP Tyler Wagner (6-5, 3.32)

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

NEXT HOME GAME: Tuesday, June 25 v. Burlington Bees (Angels) - 12:05 p.m.

Promotions: Great Clips Twins Tuesday! Get an online coupon from the Kernels Facebook page or email newsletter for a 2-for-1 ticket offer! The Kernels will wear replica Twins jerseys! It's Good Ol'Day at the Ballpark! Come enjoy a $7 lunch special!

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)