Kernels rally falls short in 9-8 loss to Clinton
The LumberKings (23-15, 46-60) have taken the first two games of the four day series, while Cedar Rapids (11-27, 43-65) has lost 7 out of its last 8 games.
Cedar Rapids was down 9-3 after a one run top of the 9th added a seemingly meaningless run for Clinton. But the Mike Dowd RBI single proved the difference after the Kernels big final half-inning.
The bases were loaded without an out recorded when the first two Kernels walked, followed by a pitch that hit Zach Wright. Trevor Hairgrove calmly slapped a single into right field to score the first run before Zach Borenstein cleared the baseball. To end a 3-5 day at the plate, Borenstein tripled off the base of the wall in right center field and brought the game within two runs. The Buffalo Grove, Ill. native would come home on the next at bat when Eric Stamets grounded out. The rally was put out, though, when Clinton reliever David Colvin came in and retired the final two Kernels of the game.
After falling down 4-0 by the middle of the 2nd inning, the Kernels were able cut the Clinton lead to one run in an earlier rally.
In the bottom of the second frame, Cedar Rapids' home run leader Gary Mitchell hit his first triple of the season. The three-bagger resulted in a RBI when Frazier Hall scored from first base. Mitchell would score two batters later when Zach Wright grounded out, but allowed his teammate to come home.
Cedar Rapids added its other run in the 5th on back-to-back doubles from Zach Borenstein and Eric Stamets. The consecutive extra-base hits reduced the Clinton lead to 4-3.
But the LumberKings regained control of the game in the top of the 6th. Coming in to Wednesday's matchup with the fewest triples in the Midwest League, Clinton knocked back-to-back base trios for three RBI in the frame. Chris Taylor tacked on one more when he singled to score Patrick Brady.
Clinton's Ji-Man Choi put the LumberKings up early with an RBI double on a hit-and-run in the top of the 1st. The visitors scored again in the 2nd with a three run barrage. With the bases loaded and one out, a slow groundball was mishandled by Kernels second baseman Alex Yarbrough and two LumberKings scored. Clinton pushed its lead to 4-0 two hitters later with a Choi single.
Aaron Meade (2-3) took the loss despite a good start for Cedar Rapids. The southpaw lasted a season-high 5 innings while striking out five LumberKings and issuing a single walk.
Mayckol Guaipe (3-0) earned a victory in a 6 inning start despite allowing 9 hits. Colvin tossed his second save of the year in his 2/3 inning appearance.
Next: Thursday, August 2 vs. Clinton LumberKings (Mariners) at 6:35 p.m.
Pitching Matchup: LHP Ryan Crowley (1-2, 3.10) vs. Clinton's LHP Jordan Shipers (4-4, 3.74)
Promotions: 1st 1,000 fans get a free Mark Trumbo Wobblehead! It's also Social Media Night. Fans can get 50% off of official logo white t-shirts at the souvenir store! Enjoy the pulled pork sandwich with slaw on a pretzel bun! Grandma Shucks will make an appearance! Fans can also make music selections during the game! An iPad will be given away, thanks to Video Games, Etc. It's also a Z 102.9 Thirsty Thursday with 12 oz. domestic draft beer for $1.50 and bottled soda and water for $2.00. Midwest Dueling Pianos will also be on hand, presented by USA Entertainment! The game will be broadcast live by Mediacom on MC22!
Get your tickets now! Tickets are available online at www.kernels.com. The ticket office at Veterans Memorial Stadium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Morgan Hawk brings you the live action on the radio home of Kernels baseball, KMRY. Listen at 1450 AM or 93.1 FM, as well as www.kernels.com and www.kmryradio.com.