Cougars Top Kernels in Series Opener

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Kane County Cougars defeated the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 9-1, Wednesday evening in the opener of a three-game series at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Kane County scored nine unanswered runs, and Sam McWilliams and Cody Clark combined for scoreless work over the final eight innings of play.
The Kernels (18-21, 57-52) claimed a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning. Christian Cavaness hit a leadoff triple and scored on an RBI infield single by Jimmy Kerrigan. Cavaness' triple was the Midwest League-leading 43rd triple by Cedar Rapids this season.

In the top of the second, Kane County (19-20, 58-48) rallied to take a 5-1 advantage. Cole Thompson put the Cougars in front with a two-run double. An RBI single by Anfernee Grier, a sacrifice fly from Marcus Wilson, and an RBI single for Ramon Hernandez extended the Cougars' early edge.
McWilliams (10-5) kept Cedar Rapids off the scoreboard over his final four frames and earned his team-high 10th win. He only allowed one run in five innings and posted a game-high five strikeouts. McWilliams also retired nine consecutive batters in one stretch.
Late offense during the eighth and ninth innings pushed the Cougars to their winning margin of 9-1. Luis Silverio produced a two-run triple and scored later in the eighth on a single from Grier. Yan Sanchez added his first Cougars home run in the top of the ninth.
Clark picked up his third save after tossing a career-high four scoreless innings in relief. He struck out the side in the ninth to end the contest.
Evan Sanders (1-4) took the loss Wednesday for Cedar Rapids. He conceded five runs - all in the second inning - and pitched five frames overall.
Game two of this three-game series will be played at 6:35 p.m. Thursday. Kernels left-hander Tyler Watson (0-0, -.--) will square off against Cougars left-hander Mack Lemieux (6-4, 5.29). Catch the coverage with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
First Federal Credit Union Flat Screen Thursday includes three 40-inch flat screen TV giveaways during the contest. 94.1 KRNA Thirsty Thursday features $2.00 prices for 12 oz. regular draft beer and 20 oz. bottled soda and water. College Night offers a $9.00 package for a club ticket and two regular hot dogs for students that show a college ID at the Kernels Ticket Office.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.