Grimes and Atherton lead Kernels to walk-off win
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Tyler Grimes singled in the bottom of the 9th to give the Kernels a 3-2 walk-off win over the Beloit Snappers on Wednesday night. The Kernels have won six out of their last seven games.
Beloit got the scoring started with a 2-run home run off the bat of Daniel Robertson in the 3rd. Robertson's long ball scored Ryan Delgado, who reached on an error to lead off the inning.
The Kernels responded in their bottom of the 3rd, though, as Joel Licon led off with a single, extending his hit streak to 12 games. Jeremias Pineda knocked in Licon with an opposite field double off the left field wall. Pineda then scored on a Jonathan Murphy RBI single to tie the game at 2.
There was no scoring by either team until the bottom of the 9th. Jorge Polanco recorded an infield single to lead off the frame, Max Kepler walked, Travis Harrison also had an infield single, and then Grimes stepped to the plate. Grimes singled to left center to win the game. The Snappers had five infielders on the play, as center fielder Brett Vertigan stood in front of second base.
Tim Atherton was tremendous on the mound for the Kernels. Atherton went 8 innings, striking out 11. He allowed two runs - both unearned - on two hits. The 11 strikeouts is a game high by a Kernels pitcher in 2013. Atherton retired 16 in a row from the 3rd through the 8th to end his night. The inning and strikeout totals are career highs for the Australia native.
Mason Melotakis followed out of the bullpen, and the left-hander struck out the side in his 1 inning of work. Between Atherton and Melotakis (11-4), the Kernels retired the final 19 Snappers hitters.
Beloit starter Derek DeYoung was as nearly impressive as his counterpart. DeYoung went 6 innings, allowing two runs on three hits while walking one and striking out six. Nolan Sanburn went 2 scoreless innings in relief, allowing one hit. Trevor Bayless (0-1) didn't record an out, allowing the game winning run on three hits and one walk.
NEXT GAME:Thursday, August 15 v. Beloit Snappers (Athletics) - 6:35 p.m.
Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium
Cedar Rapids: LHP Miguel Sulbaran (1st Start) v. Beloit: RHP Dylan Covey (0-1, 4.82)
Promotions: Thirsty Thursday, presented by Z 102.9! Get 12 oz. regular draft beer and 20 oz. bottled soda and water for just $2.00 all night!
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)
Radio: KMRY 1450 AM/93.1 FM & www.kernels.com