Kernels cruise past Cougars
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - A 6-run 4th inning paced the Kernels to a 8-2 win over the Kane County Cougars in the last home regular season game on Friday night.
Kane County recorded four hits in the top of the 1st to push across a pair of runs and take a 2-0 lead. Wilson Contreras and Giuseppe Papaccio had RBI singles in the inning.
The Kernels got both runs back in the bottom of the 1st, however, as Niko Goodrum and Jorge Polanco hit back-to-back home runs.
The biggest inning of the contest came in the 4th. Max Kepler led off with a solo home run and later Michael Quesada tripled to the right center field gap to score two, Joel Licon doubled home a run, and Goodrum doubled in two more. The Kernels totaled six runs in the frame on five hits with 10 batters coming to the plate, taking an 8-2 lead.
Josue Montanez (7-5) went 7 strong innings for the Kernels on the mound. Montanez allowed two runs on seven hits. He didn't walk a batter and struck out five. Dallas Gallant pitched a scoreless inning, striking out one. Brian Gilbert pitched the 9th inning, allowing no runs and 2 hits.
Kane County starter Starling Peralta (2-3) exited after 4, allowing six runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out three. Al Yevoli threw 1 scoreless inning of relief before being pulled due to injury. Matt Iannazzo and Andrew McKirahan followed with 2 scoreless innings combined. Kenny Soccorro pitched a scoreless 8th.
NEXT GAME:Saturday, August 31 @ Clinton LumberKings (Mariners) - 6:00 p.m.
Ashford University Field
Cedar Rapids: RHP Tim Shibuya (3-0, 1.26) v. Clinton: RHP David Holman (4-7, 3.16)
NEXT HOME GAME: Thursday, September 5 v. Quad Cities - 6:35 p.m.
(Game 2-MWL Playoffs - Quarterfinals)
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