First Half Champs!

Cedar Rapids, IA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels have won the first half Midwest League West championship, with a little help from the Peoria Chiefs. Even though Friday's game with Burlington is suspended in the bottom of the third inning, the Chiefs defeated Quad Cities last night 7-2, which gives the Kernels a three game lead with two games remaining.

It's the first time that Cedar Rapids has won an outright first half title since the Cedar Rapids Reds back in 1992. This is the fourth season in a row the Kernels have qualified for the playoffs, and the second year in a row they qualified in the first half.

The top two teams in each division qualify for the playoffs in each half and teams that qualify in the first half will have home field advantage when the playoffs start in September. There's a three way battle between Quad Cities, Peoria and Clinton for the final first half spot.

The Kernels will complete Friday's suspended game with Burlington tonight starting at 5:35 pm with the gates opening at 4:30 pm. Approximately 30 minutes after the completion of the suspended game, the Kernels and Bees will play another 7-inning game with a spectacular post-game fireworks show, presented by Procter & Gamble.

In addition to Saturday's doubleheader, the Kernels have one remaining home date in the first half on Sunday, June 20th. There will be a Father's Day Brunch at the stadium from 10 am to 1 pm, followed by the game between the Kernels and Bees. Tickets are available on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Saturday.