Westphal returns home to beat Rattlers

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. - Luke Westphal earned a win for the Kernels in front of many friends and family on Tuesday afternoon at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. The southpaw, along with Randy LeBlanc and Cam Booser, held the Timber Rattlers to just two total hits as the Kernels won 3-2 for their second consecutive win.

Westphal grew up in Clintonville, Wisconsin and attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, both 45 minutes or less from the site of Tuesday's game.

The lefty went five innings and allowed just one hit and one run while striking out five and walking two for the victory. He was signed by the Twins earlier this year, and the 26-year-old is in his first season of affiliated baseball.

LeBlanc came on in relief to assist with the combined two-hitter. LeBlanc went three scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out two and walking none for his fourth hold. Booser earned his eighth save by pitching the ninth inning, allowing one run on no hits with one walk and no strikeouts.

Offensively, Brian Navarreto led the way with three hits and one run batted in. Zack Larson added two hits and one run batted in. Rafael Valera drew three walks.

The Kernels took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Tanner English led off the game by pulling a double into the left-field corner. He then scored on Larson's RBI single to center field.

Wisconsin quickly tied the game 1-1 in their half of the first inning without the use of a hit. Brandon Diaz drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, reached third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Elvis Rubio's RBI groundout.

The game did not stay tied long as the Kernels pushed a run across in the second inning to take a 2-1 lead. T.J. White reached on a bunt single with two outs, advancing to second base on a throwing error by third baseman Sthervin Matos. Navarreto brought in White with a RBI single to center, putting the Kernels back in front.

Cedar Rapids extended their lead to 3-1 in the seventh inning. Nick Gordon doubled down the left field line with one out and moved to third on Larson's single to right. Gordon came home on Alex Real's RBI sacrifice fly to left.

The Timber Rattlers scored their second run in the ninth inning, again without the use of a hit. Mitch Meyer was hit by a pitch, and Diaz walked to put two on. After a sacrifice bunt and a RBI groundout by Rubio to score Meyer, Wisconsin trailed 3-2 with the tying run at third base. However, Booser closed out the game by getting Dustin DeMuth to foul out to third on a 3-0 pitch for the final out.

David Burkhalter started for the Timber Rattlers and lasted four innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits, striking out five and walking one. Kodi Medeiros went two innings in relief, allowing one hit while walking three and striking out one. Zach Cooper pitched two innings and allowed one run on three hits. Luke Curtis allowed no runs and no hits in one innings out of the bullpen.

The series at Wisconsin concludes on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Felix Jorge (3-3, 2.37) starts for the Kernels against Wisconsin's LHP Zach Hirsch (2-3, 2.68).

The Kernels return home on Saturday, July 4 at 5:05 pm. to host the Burlington Bees. Enjoy a spectacular postgame fireworks show. It's Armed Forces Night so fans can show a military ID at the ticket office and receive a discount on Club or Plaza tickets, while supplies last. The Kernels are wearing special patriotic jerseys, presented by Dave Wright Nissan/Subaru, that will be sold during the game via a silent auction. The proceeds from the auction benefit Retrieving Freedom. The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free set of Military Heroes Baseball Cards. Fans can purchase a raffle ticket for $1 for a chance to win a quilt pieced by Connie Moyer, quilted by Jennifer McRae and donated by Connie's Quilt Shop in Marion. All proceeds will benefit Linn County Veterans Affairs.

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 Kernels games live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and online at www.kernels.com.