Kernels clip Hot Rods to win series
Bowling Green, Ky. - The Kernels clipped the Bowling Green Hot Rods 5-4 on Friday night to win their fifth consecutive series. Bryan Haar and Michael Quesada both went deep as Cedar Rapids scored all of their runs in the first four innings. Ryan Eades went five innings for his sixth victory, and three Kernels relievers combined to allow just one hit and one run to finish out the game.
Bowling Green (14-19, 46-56) took a 3-0 lead in the second inning on a three-run home run by Julian Ridings. His first of the season went to deep right field and came with two outs as the Hot Rods scored first for the third straight game in the series.
Cedar Rapids (18-15, 49-54) quickly responded with a four-run third inning to move ahead 4-3. Tanner Vavra and Engelb Vielma both drew walks before Chad Christensen capped off a terrific at-bat with a RBI single into right field on a 3-2 pitch. That plated Vavra to get the Kernels on the board, trailing 3-1. The next batter, Bryan Haar, launched a three-run home run into Bowling Green's bullpen in left to put the Kernels in front 4-3. It was Haar's 13th of the season, tying Mitch Garver for the team-lead.
In the fourth inning, Michael Quesada connected for a solo home run to left-center to make the score 5-3. It was Quesada's fourth of the season and wound up being a big insurance run early.
Ryan Eades (6-11) did not allow another run after the three-run second inning. He finished after five innings to secure the victory, snapping a stretch of four losses in his last four starts. Eades allowed three runs on three hits while striking out two and walking three. The Hot Rods threatened to score and push Eades from the game in the fifth frame after a single, walk, and a sacrifice bunt put two in scoring position with one out. However, Eades recorded a big strikeout and a groundout to get out of the inning, preserving the lead.
Once again, the bullpen was terrific over the final four innings. The trio of Jared Wilson, Brandon Bixler, and Dallas Gallant allowed only one run and one hit the rest of the way. The run came in the seventh inning. After a one-out walk and a double, Juniel Querecuto's RBI groundout plated Ridings to make the score 5-4. Wilson went two innings, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one and walking two.
Bixler sent the Hot Rods down in order in the eighth inning, with one strikeout. Gallant recorded his second save by pitching around a two-out walk, striking out one. He got a groundout to end the game.
Jamie Schultz (2-1) returned off the disabled list for Bowling Green and went three innings in the loss. He allowed four runs on three hits while striking out four and walking two. German Marquez struck out seven over five innings in relief, allowing one run on four hits with one walk. Luis Cabrera pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
The Kernels now travel to Dayton, Ohio to open up a three-game series against the Dragons, the Midwest League affiliate of the Reds. Saturday night's game begins at 6:05 p.m. CT (7:05 p.m. ET). RHP Chih-Wei Hu (2-0, 2.00) takes the mound for the Kernels while RHP Jackson Stephens (2-2, 4.10) makes the start for Dayton.
The Kernels return home on Tuesday, July 29 to take on the Burlington Bees at 6:35 p.m. It's a Twins Tuesday, sponsored by Great Clips. Fans can get an online coupon from the Kernels Facebook page or email newsletter for a 2-for-1 ticket offer. The Kernels will wear special jerseys, and one lucky fan will win a pair of Minnesota Twins tickets.
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.