Gomez, Molina Carry Kernels to 2-1 Win

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Scoreless relief pitching by Moises Gomez and Derek Molina helped the Cedar Rapids Kernels earn a 2-1 triumph Thursday against the Burlington Bees at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Gomez received credit for the victory while Molina recorded the save to cap a 3-1 series win.
Gomez (1-2) picked up the first Midwest League win of his professional career. He got into a bases-loaded jam with the game tied, 1-1, during the top of the sixth before two strikeouts and a fly out ended the frame. Gomez faced the minimum in the seventh to wrap up his shutout appearance.

Molina matched former Kernels reliever Joe Record with his team-high-tying fifth save this year. Molina retired six of seven batters faced featuring a diving catch in left-center field from Gilberto Celestino within a perfect ninth inning.
The Kernels (23-24) and the Bees (27-20) each traded early solo home runs in Thursday's series finale. Jared Akins belted a solo shot for Cedar Rapids in the second inning that secured a career-high eight-game hit streak. During the third inning, Jordyn Adams lifted a solo blast to tie the contest at 1-1.
A hit-and-run coupled with an error lifted Cedar Rapids to a 2-1 lead within the seventh. Andrew Bechtold drew a leadoff walk to open the frame. Two batters later, Bechtold took off from first base on a pitch to Estamy Urena that was singled to right field behind him. A fielding error by Adams allowed Bechtold to head home and tally the go-ahead run.
Ben Morrison (2-1) was the losing pitcher Thursday evening. Bechtold's seventh-inning run was only the second total run surrendered by Morrison over 22.1 innings pitched this season.
Cedar Rapids begins the second half of its eight-game homestand Friday at 6:35 p.m. with the opener of a four-game series with the Peoria Chiefs. Right-hander Tyler Palm (1-3, 4.44) is the probable starter for the Kernels. Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will call the game on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
The new series starts with Kernels Friday Mug Club Night sponsored by Stadium Bar & Grill, Shuey's Restaurant & Lounge, Mr. B's, Mulligan's Pub, and Z102.9. A special 16 oz. mug of regular draft beer or soda is only $6.00, and that mug can be used for $3.00 refills at every Kernels home game this season.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.