Late-inning rally moves Beloit past Kernels

Bryan Haar scored both Cedar Rapids runs and went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple in the 3-2 loss to Beloit. Jason Kanzler drove in the two Kernel runs and added two hits in the losing effort.

By Matt Gruemmer

July 6, 2014

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - The Beloit Snappers plated two runs in the eighth inning to take a decisive 3-2 lead in the rubber match and win the series against the Cedar Rapids Kernels Sunday afternoon at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Bryan Haar finished a homerun shy of the cycle on the afternoon and scored both runs on the day for Cedar Rapids. Jason Kanzler went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI's in the game while the Kernels outhit the Snappers 11-7. Cedar Rapids struggled at the plate with men in scoring position by going 1-for-13 on the day.

The Kernels got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second when Jason Janzler brought in Bryan Haar with an RBI-groundout to shortstop. Haar marked his fourth triple of the season to open the inning.

The Snappers tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the sixth when Tyler Marincov hit a long sacrifice fly that brought in Phil Pohl. Pohl hit a double into shallow left field earlier in the inning and advanced to third on an Engelb Vilema throwing error.

Vielma exited the game on the Pohl double when he collided with J.D. Williams going for the ball. Tanner Vavra replaced Vielma and entered the game at second base.

Junior Mendez compiled six frames on the mound in the start for Beloit. Mendez allowed two runs on eight hits with two strikeouts in the contest.

Joel Seddon (1-0) opened the seventh for the Snappers and tossed one scoreless frame where he allowed one hit while walking and striking out a single batter.

Aaron Slegers (3-6) exited for the Kernels in the top of the eighth after seven strong innings tossed. The starter surrendered three runs, two of them being earned, on five total hits while striking out two Snappers.

Todd Van Steensel came out of the bullpen midway through the top of the eighth with two men on the bases. Van Steensel finished the final two innings on the mound and gave up no runs on two hits along with a pair of strikeouts and a blown save.

The Beloit bats came alive again in the eighth with two runs on two hits to take the lead 3-2. B.A. Vollmuth took his first pitch to the left field corner for an RBI-double that brought around Phil Pohl. Todd Van Steensel threw out Marincov on a close play at the plate to record the first out on the next play before Boyd drove in Vollmuth on a sacrifice fly to right to give the Snappers the lead.

Sam Bragg entered in relief for Beloit in the eighth. Bragg threw one scoreless inning where he allowed two hits and one base on balls.

Tyler Vail collected his second straight save by preserving the 3-2 lead in the ninth. The right-hander hurled one scoreless frame in which he compiled one walk.

The Kernels have the day off on Monday and will continue the home stand by opening a three-game series with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Tuesday evening at 6:35 p.m.

Fans can enjoy a Twins Tuesday, sponsored by Great Clips, at the game. Get an on-line coupon from the Kernels Facebook page or email newsletter for a 2 for 1 ticket offer at Tuesday home games. The Kernels will wear special jerseys and one lucky fan will win a pair of Minnesota Twins tickets given away at every Tuesday home game.

LHP Lewis Thorpe (1-1, 5.16) will open the series for Cedar Rapids while Wisconsin is expected to start with RHP Tristan Archer (3-3, 3.44).

Tickets are available at www.kernels.com. You can also visit the Kernels Ticket Office at Veterans Memorial Stadium or call 319-896-7560. Kernels' games are broadcast live on KMRY Radio (93.1 FM/1450 AM) and streamed online at www.kernels.com.