Dragons Slide Past Kernels, 4-2

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Three unanswered runs lifted the Dayton Dragons to a 4-2 comeback win Saturday against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. 2,741 fans were at the ballpark for the contest marking a second consecutive season high in attendance for Cedar Rapids (12-16).
Andrew Bechtold gave the Kernels a 1-0 lead during the second inning. Jacob Pearson drew a one-out walk and stole second base before a two-out single from Bechtold put Cedar Rapids in front.

Dayton (10-18) briefly tied Cedar Rapids in the fourth, but the Kernels regained the lead later in the frame. Jay Schuyler hit a sacrifice fly that plated Michael Siani and tied the contest at 1-1. Pearson answered in the home half of the inning with a solo home run to left field for a 2-1 Kernels advantage.
The Dragons had a quick response of their own within the fifth inning. Miguel Hernandez singled and moved up to second base via balk. Reniel Ozuna singled to drive in Hernandez and even the score, 2-2.
A bases-loaded double pushed Dayton ahead, 4-2, in the top of the seventh. Pabel Manzanero led off with a single and remained at first base until Juan Martinez reached on catcher's interference with two outs in the inning. A walk to Ozuna loaded the bases, and Jonathan Willems doubled to bring Manzanero and Martinez home.
Eduardo Salazar (2-0) and Connor Bennett combined for four scoreless innings of relief to earn the win and the save, respectively. Bennett's appearance produced his team-high-tying second save this season.
Moises Gomez was the losing pitcher with two runs including one earned run allowed over two innings pitched. Cedar Rapids tied a season high with 15 strikeouts including Tyler Palm's personal-best eight strikeouts within his first start of the year.
The series finale between Cedar Rapids and Dayton will begin at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. Kernels right-hander Cole Sands (0-0, 2.37) will start against Dragons right-hander James Marinan (1-2, 5.48). Broadcast coverage of the game can be found on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
IPTV Daniel Tiger Day includes a special appearance at the ballpark from Daniel Tiger. Papa Balloon will also be at Sunday's contest. Western Fraternal Life Kids Eat Free Sunday offers all kids aged 12 and under a voucher for a free hot dog, popcorn, and drink. Travel Advisors Baseball Bingo features a chance to win a trip to a Minnesota Twins game. After the game, fans can play catch in the outfield and get autographs from the Kernels courtesy of Prairie Farms and 104.5 KDAT. Plus, the annual Chuck Fulton Memorial Home Run Derby for children aged 12 and under will follow the contest as well.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids 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 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.