Kernels rally for 6-5 win over Snappers
The Kernels and Snappers were tied 2-2, in the sixth inning when Steven Liddle and Danny Rams hit back to back homers off Kernels starter Max Russell to give the Snappers a 5-2 lead. The Kernels scored two runs in the top of the seventh to cut the lead to 5-4. Then in the ninth, Casey Haerther doubled, followed by Cruz's home run to give the Kernels a 6-5 edge.
Johnny Hellweg (2-4) worked two innings of relief for the win, striking out one. Max Russell gave up five runs on nine hits, walked one and struck out six over five innings in a no-decision effort as Mike Kenney allowed a hit and struck out one over two innings of relief. Miguel Munoz (12-7) took the loss, giving up two runs on two hits over an inning.
Justin Bass went 2-4 with two runs scored and Casey Haerther was 2-4 with a double and RBI. Michael Wing went 1-3 with a double as the Kernels out hit Beloit, 11-10.
The Kernels finished the regular season with a 82-56 record and are the ninth team in the history of Cedar Rapids baseball to win 80 games in the regular season. They now play the Clinton LumberKings in the first round of the MWL Playoffs with game one set for Wednesday night at Alliant Energy Field in Clinton. Games two and three of the best of three series will be at Perfect Game Field in Cedar Rapids.
John Rodgers brings you the playoff action on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.
Tickets for game two between Clinton and Cedar Rapids is Thursday, September 9th at 6:35 pm at Perfect Game Field, may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.