Gray delivers go-ahead blast in Kernels win over Whitecaps

Cedar Rapids, IA – Cedar Rapids third baseman Seth Gray blasted an early go-ahead two-run shot to provide the Kernels with a lead they wouldn’t relinquish in a 4-2 Wednesday afternoon win over the West Michigan Whitecaps. The Kernels improved to a Midwest League-best 43-22 with the win and are winners of five straight heading into the final day of the first half on Thursday.

Brent Headrick shook off a rocky third inning to provide the Kernels with 5.0 frames of one-run ball, scattering three hits and a walk while striking out four batters. He worked at an 80% first-pitch strike rate and pounded the zone with 57 strikes on 75 pitches. The lefty earned his staff-leading seventh win of the season as the Kernels have now won eight of his last nine starts.

Cedar Rapids was the first to strike in the second as Wander Javier drew a one-out walk and was advanced to second on a Charles Mack groundout before scoring courtesy of a first-pitch single laced back up the middle by Kennie Taylor.

West Michigan plated a run to tie things up in the top of the second. With one away in the home half, Aaron Sabato singled to right-center. Gray stepped in and promptly blasted a 435-foot two-run homer off the pitch clock display in right-center, putting the Kernels ahead 3-1. Cedar Rapids would tack on a run in the fourth as Mack walked and Taylor singled then Alerick Soularie blasted an RBI double to left-center.

Cody Laweryson entered with the bases loaded and none retired in the seventh, proceeding to strike out the side. The righthander closed out the rest of the game for CR, picking up his first save of the season with 3.0 innings of one-run ball while scattering four hits.

Game three of the series is set for 6:35 p.m. on Thursday evening.

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