Kernels beat Bees and advance to play Kane County

BURLINGTON, IOWA - The Kernels beat Burlington 4-2 at Community Field on Friday night to advance to the Western Division Championship Series against Kane County. Game one of the best of three series is on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Kernels tallied two runs in the eighth inning to break a tie and move ahead 4-2. Jonatan Hinojosa singled with one out in the inning, collecting the team's first hit since the third inning. Logan Wade then doubled down the left field line, his second two-bagger of the night. Chad Christensen then hit a liner off of pitcher Brian Loconsole's glove. The ball deflected away, allowing Hinojosa to score and give the Kernels the lead. Max Murphy followed with a RBI double down the left field line to plate Wade and give the Kernels their insurance run.

The Cedar Rapids bullpen was outstanding again, combining to toss four scoreless and hitless innings. Jared Wilson collected the win, going two perfect innings while striking out two. Dallas Gallant worked around an error in the eighth inning, notching two strikeouts for a hold. Jake Reed sent the Bees down in order in the ninth inning, collecting one punch out, for his second save of the series.

Stephen Gonsalves started for the Kernels and allowed just two runs on six hits in five innings of work. He struck out six and walked one in a no-decision.

The Kernels took a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Ryan Walker tripled and scored on Wade's RBI groundout. Christensen followed with a solo home run to right field, his fourth against Bees pitching this season.

Burlington quickly tied the game 2-2 in the bottom of the third inning. The Bees recorded four consecutive hits. Bo Way's RBI single scored Stephen McGee while Kody Eaves singled home Erick Salcedo.

Brian Loconsole took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings in relief for Burlington. Harrison Cooney started and struck out nine over six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Alan Busenitz pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

The Kernels host Kane County on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. in game one of the Western Division Championship Series. The Kernels will send RHP Ryan Eades (10-11, 5.14) to the hill while Kane County counters with RHP Paul Blackburn (9-4, 3.23).