Clinton clips Kernels in extras
CLINTON, Iowa - The Kernels fell 6-5 to the Clinton LumberKings in 11 innings on Saturday night at Ashford University Field. Martin Peguero's walk-off RBI single plated Gaby Guerrero from second base for the game-winning run.
Guerrero began the 11th inning by reaching on an infield single when he chopped a ball to third base. Tim Lopes then put down a sacrifice bunt, moving the winning run into scoring position. Peguero's single went into left field, and Guerrero scored in front of a good throw from Kernels left fielder J.D. Williams.
Alex Muren (4-1) was shouldered with the loss as he went 0.1 inning for the Kernels in relief.
Oliver Garcia (5-3) was terrific in relief for Clinton as he picked up the win. He pitched four scoreless inning and only allowed one hit.
The Kernels tied the game 5-5 by scoring three runs in the eighth inning as nine men came to the plate. Joel Licon singled for one of his three hits on the night to begin the frame. Then, Jonathan Murphy drew one of his three walks. J.D. Williams singled home Licon. Two batters later, Dalton Hicks knocked a ball the opposite way into left field, plating Murphy and Williams to knot the score.
The Kernels took a 1-0 lead in the third inning as Licon again set the table for a run-scoring frame. Two errors in the inning by the LumberKings allowed Licon to score the game's first run.
Clinton took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning on Jordy Lara's two-run double.
The Kernels quickly tied the game 2-2 in the fifth inning as Murphy scored from first base without a ball being put into play. Murphy drew a two-out walk and then stole second base. Catcher Tyler Marlette's throw air mailed second base. Centerfielder Janelfry Zorrilla then over ran the ball, allowing Murphy to score from second base.
The LumberKings picked up a run in the sixth inning on Guerrero's RBI single, putting Clinton in front 3-2. A two-RBI double by Dario Pizzano in the seventh inning extended Clinton's lead to 5-2.
Tim Atherton started for the Kernels and went five innings. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out five and walking one. Caleb Brewer allowed three runs over two innings of work. Madison Boer was excellent in relief, pitching three scoreless innings.
Matt Anderson started for Clinton and allowed two unearned runs over seven innings while striking out seven and walking one. Blake Holovach allowed three runs, not retiring any of the five batters he faced.
NEXT GAME: Sunday, July 7 @ Clinton LumberKings (Mariners) - 2:00 p.m. Ashford University Field
Cedar Rapids: Mason Melotakis (6-2, 3.67) v. Clinton: LHP Scott DeCecco (5-6, 4.66)
Radio: KMRY 1450 AM/93.1 FM & www.kernels.com
Next Home Game: Wednesday, July 10 v. Dayton Dragons (Reds) - 6:35 p.m.
Promotions: Free Money Wednesday! Up to $1,000 will be given away at the main gates every Wednesday home game! The Kernels will recognize members of the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2013. Plus, members of the 1961 Cedar Rapids Braves team will be in attendance. The KCRG Weather Academy will be at the game to explain the mysteries of weather to fans of all ages.
Tickets: Available at www.kernels.com or at the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 319-896-7650 (Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2)