Kernels down Rattlers 7-3
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. - The Kernels downed the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 7-3 on Tuesday night. They have won all five games against Wisconsin this season and will go for the three-game sweep tomorrow night at 6:35 p.m.
Jorge Fernandez went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three runs batted in. Nick Gordon had two hits and two runs batted in. Brett Doe added two hits, reaching base four times by adding two walks. Tanner English drew three walks on the night.
Mat Batts (3-1) went six innings for the victory, allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits. He struck out four and walked one. Randy LeBlanc tossed two scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out one. C.K. Ibry pitched a scoreless and hitless ninth inning, striking out two and walking one.
The Kernels (15-11) scored twice in the first inning without the use of a hit as two walks and one error helped the Kernels take a 2-0 lead. After two walks, a fielding error by shortstop Luis Aviles on a roller by Max Murphy allowed Nick Gordon to score and sent Trey Vavra to third base. T.J. White's RBI groundout plated Vavra to put the Kernels up by a pair.
Wisconsin (8-18) tied the game 2-2 in the second inning, also with the help of an error. Elvis Rubio singled and soon moved to third after Dustin DeMuth reached on a fielding error by first baseman Tyler Kuresa. Monte Harrison's RBI double into the right field corner scored both Rubio and DeMuth, tying the game.
Jorge Fernandez put the Kernels up 5-2 in the third inning with a bases-clearing double to deep center. Fernandez's double with the bases loaded was drilled over the head of Harrison in center field and scored Tanner English, Vavra, and Murphy. English and Murphy walked while Vavra reached with a single to put three on.
Nick Gordon's RBI single in the fourth inning extended the Kernels lead to 6-2. Gordon's flare into shallow left brought in Jonatan Hinojosa, who drew a walk and stole second base.
Gordon came through again in the sixth inning with another RBI single, his 20th run batted in on the season. This single was drilled into center field and scored Brett Doe, who doubled to begin the inning.
Wisconsin cut the Kernels lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning with a RBI single to left by Tucker Neuhaus. The single scored Carlos Leal, who singled to begin the inning and advanced to second on a passed ball by Doe.
Orlando Torrez (0-2) suffered the loss for Wisconsin. He went four innings and allowed six runs (four earned) on three hits while walking six and striking out two. Tyler Linehan went a scoreless inning in relief while Angel Ventura pitched four relief innings, allowing one run.
The series at Wisconsin wraps up on Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. RHP John Curtiss (1-2, 5.17) takes the mound for the Kernels. RHP Victor Diaz (0-1, 1.93) gets the start for the Timber Rattlers. The Kernels play at Beloit Thursday-Saturday.
The Kernels return home on Monday, May 11 against the Peoria Chiefs to begin a seven-game home stand. Monday's game is a Mark Down Monday. Get regular hot dogs for just $1.50. Small popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, chips and Cracker Jacks are only $1.00.
Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or call 319-896-7560.
Morgan Hawk brings you the action of all Kernels games live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and online at www.kernels.com.