Early fireworks show as Kernels clobber Clinton, 13-3

Cedar Rapids, IA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels treated a Bank of the West Fireworks night crowd of 4,944 at Perfect Game Field to an entertaining show during and after the game as they had the Clinton LumberKings seeing stars in a 13-3 romp. Jon Karcich went 2-4 with a double, home runs and 3 RBI and Matt Long was 2-4 with a triple, 3 RBI and two runs scored.

Kernels starter Ariel Pena delivered a quality start, allowing two runs on seven hits and striking out eight over seven innings of work. He left after facing three batters in the top of the 8th inning to a rousing ovation from the fans. Clinton starter Nolan Gallagher allowed six runs (three earned) on six hits, walked two and struck out one over four innings in taking the loss. Clinton pitchers issued eight free passes to the Kernels tonight.

The Kernels were outhit by Clinton, 10-8, but took advantage of three Clinton errors to score five unearned runs. Jean Segura went 1-4 with 2 RBI and Mike Trout was 1-4 with an RBI. The LumberKings didn't score until the top of the 8th as Vinnie Catricala and James Jones each had an RBI.

The win improves the Kernels second half record to 5-4 and 48-29 overall. Clinton falls to 5-4 and 42-36 as the Kernels take two of three in this series, but the LumberKings still lead the season series, 6-4. The two teams will play a three game series at Alliant Energy Field in Clinton, July 28-30.

The Kernels welcome the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to Perfect Game Field on Sunday, July 4th with a 5:05 pm game. The first 1,000 boys and girls, age 12-under, through the gates when they open at 4:00 pm receive a free regulation size youth baseball bat from McDonald's. The Kernels will wear special red Angels jerseys for all Sunday home games, sponsored by Xquisite Limo. And, it's a 104.5 KDAT Sunday Family Fun Day where fans can get autographs from the Kernels before the game on the concourse, play Travel Advisors Baseball Vacation Bingo during the game and run the bases and play catch in the outfield after the game, thanks to Beef O'Brady's. Fans can enjoy the music of The Large Midgets and watch the Downtown Freedom Festival fireworks from the stadium. The Large Midgets will also perform following the fireworks show.

The Miller Mezzanine is open to the public on July 4th, with tickets going for $11. Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Sunday. The current home stand continues through Tuesday, July 6th.