Kernels complete sweep of Dragons, 6-2
Kernels starter Manuel Flores (5-4) gave up a two-run HR to Cody Puckett in the first inning, but recovered and held Dayton in check for seven innings, allowing seven hits and striking out three. Kyle Hurst and Andrew Taylor combined for two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, with Taylor striking out the side in the ninth.
Dayton starter Matt Fairel (6-5) had the Kernels baffled until the sixth inning, as he had seven strikeouts and had allowed just two hits. The Kernels scored three runs in the inning to chase Fairel from the game, allowing four runs on six hits over seven innings pitched. Andrew Means went 2-4 with a run scored as Kevin Coddington and Miguel Rojas both were 1-4 with a double.
The win improves the Kernels second half record to 13-5, 53-35 overall. Dayton falls to 6-12 and 34-54. The playoff-bound Kernels lead Kane County by one game for the best overall record in the MWL West, which determines home field advantage in the second round of the MWL playoffs.
After a day off for the Major League All-Star Game, the Kernels hit the road for nine games over ten days with stops in Lansing, Great Lakes and Beloit. John Rodgers brings you the action from Lansing on Wednesday night starting at 5:40 pm on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.
The Kernels return to Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 25th and open a six game home stand with games against South Bend and Kane County. Tickets 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.