Davis Homers Twice in 9-1 Kernels Win

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Michael Davis collected his first professional multi-homer game Thursday as the Cedar Rapids Kernels defeated the Clinton LumberKings by a final score of 9-1 at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Tyler Watson recorded his second consecutive victory and helped Cedar Rapids (24-9, 56-46) clinch a series victory in this three-game set with Clinton (17-15, 56-46).
Andrew Bechtold produced Cedar Rapids' first home run in the second inning for an early 1-0 edge. Bechtold lifted an opposite-field blast to right field for his second round-tripper of the season.

Davis' first homer Thursday capped the scoring in a two-out rally during the fourth. Trey Cabbage's sacrifice fly plated Jean Carlos Arias, and Jared Akins followed with a two-run single that brought in Robby Rinn and Bechtold. Davis followed with a two-run blast to right field to give Cedar Rapids its 6-0 lead.
Watson (4-4) was tagged for a fifth-inning solo home run by Keegan McGovern but did not allow any other runs over seven innings pitched. Watson tallied a season-high nine strikeouts including multiple strikeouts within the third, fourth, and seventh innings.
In the sixth, Davis secured his multi-homer performance while pushing the Kernels to a 7-1 advantage. He crushed a solo shot to right-center field for his third round-tripper over two games in this series.
The Kernels posted two more runs during the eighth to reach their winning margin of 9-1. Akins doubled to drive in Bechtold, and Akil Baddoo added a sacrifice fly later in the inning that allowed Cabbage to come home.
Clay Chandler (6-2) gave up a career-high seven runs over six innings pitched and took the loss. Thursday's defeat snapped a five-decision win streak for Chandler.
The series finale between Cedar Rapids and Clinton will begin Friday at 6:35 p.m., and Kernels right-hander Bailey Ober (7-1, 3.88) will square off against LumberKings left-hander Raymond Kerr (3-9, 4.29). Fans unable to attend the contest can follow the game on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
During this homestand, the Kernels are partnering with Minor League Baseball and BUSH'S Beans for a food drive to collect non-perishable food donations that will be given to HACAP. Iowa State Cyclone Night features an Iowa State mini football giveaway for the first 1,000 fans. The Kernels will wear special Cyclone-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game to support the Iowa State Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Friday is also a Kernels Friday Mug Club Night sponsored by Stadium Bar & Grill, Shuey's Restaurant & Lounge, Red's Public House, Mulligan's Pub, and Z102.9.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids 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.