Walker's performance leads Kernels in 13-8 blasting of Loons

Adam Brett Walker hit 2 long home runs - a grand slam & a 3-run homer - to collect 7 RBI.

By Matt Cozzi

7:18 PM EDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Kernels thrashed the Great Lake Loons for a second straight game in a 13-8 win on Friday night. Adam Brett Walker led the way with 2 home runs and 7 RBI as every Kernels starter reached base on way to the team's 5^th-straight victory.

Walker connected for a 3-run home run in the 1^st inning and then hit his second of the night to left-center and onto 8^th Ave for a grand slam in the 4^th. The Kernels batted around in the 4^th, scoring 6 runs on 3 hits in the frame. J.D. Williams led off the inning with a homer and Byron Buxton, Niko Goodrum, Dalton Hicks, and Travis Harrison also scored.

Walker finished 3-for-4, raising his average to .313. Buxton reached base three times via walk to raise his Midwest League-leading on-base percentage.

In total, the Kernels (14-5) recorded runs in the 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 8^th innings. Manager Jake Mauer's squad is now a plus-34 in run differential, which is second in the MWL.

Starter Hudson Boyd retired the first eight Great Lakes hitters before the Loons (10-10) began a 2-out rally in the top of the 3^rd. Loons outfielder James Baldwin singled, and then Boyd yielded four straight walks and a fly out to end the inning, resulting in 2 runs. Boyd exited the contest after 4 innings, finishing with 5 hits and 4 runs to his name.

Steve Gruver (2-0) replaced Boyd on the mound and pitched 2.2 innings. Gruver gave up 1 run on 3 hits and struck out 6 for the win. The left-hander has now appeared in 5 games this season.

Right-hander Chris Mazza was called on in the top of the 7^th, and threw 1.1 innings. Southpaw David Hurlbut closed the contest by striking out two in the 9^th.

NEXT GAME:

Saturday, April 27 - 5:05 p.m. vs. Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers)

(Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium)

Cedar Rapids: LHP Mason Melotakis (1-1, 2.84) vs. Great Lakes: RHP Ralston Cash (2-0, 1.23)

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

Promotions: Wings & Beer Night!

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)