Javier Buzzes Bees in 3-2 Triumph

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Wander Javier's three-run, go-ahead home run propelled the Cedar Rapids Kernels toward a 3-2 victory Saturday against the Burlington Bees in front of 3,611 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Kernels (24-17, 63-48) now lead the Midwest League with 24 victories in one-run games this season.
Burlington (15-26, 54-57) was held hitless by Cedar Rapids until the fifth inning. Ryan Vega led off with a solo home run to left-center field that put the Bees ahead, 1-0.

Javier answered in the sixth to give the Kernels a 3-1 advantage. Spencer Steer drew a leadoff walk before Gilberto Celestino picked up a single. Two batters later, Javier crushed a three-run blast into the Plumbers & Pipefitters Pavilion for his seventh round-tripper and the team's league-high-tying 89th homer overall.
Vega sparked a comeback attempt during the seventh inning. He singled and stole two bases prior to coming home via wild pitch. Vega's run sliced Burlington's deficit to 3-2, but the Bees still finished one run short.
J.T. Perez (2-2) recorded his second victory while Nate Hadley earned his second save. Perez only surrendered one run over two innings of relief. Hadley faced the minimum in the eighth and ninth innings to close the contest. Matt Canterino, the 54th overall pick in the 2019 First-Year Player Draft, tossed 2.2 hitless innings as the starting pitcher in his Kernels debut.
Robinson Pina (4-6) was tagged with the loss. He fired a game-high eight strikeouts and left in the sixth with a 1-0 lead, but two baserunners inherited by Parker Joe Robinson scored on Javier's home run to put Pina into the loss column.
This four-game series continues Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. with Kernels right-hander Tyler Palm (2-7, 3.97) scheduled to start against Bees right-hander Clayton Chatham (0-1, 1.32). Fans unable to attend Sunday's matinée can access the coverage on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free update set of 2019 Kernels baseball cards presented by Perfect Game USA. Western Fraternal Life Kids Eat Free Sunday includes an offer for all kids aged 12 and under to receive a voucher for a free hot dog, popcorn, and 12 oz. drink. After the game, fans can run the bases, play catch in the outfield, and get autographs from the Kernels courtesy of Prairie Farms and 104.5 KDAT. The Hovick Family Farm Petting Zoo, Travel Advisors Baseball Bingo, Papa Balloon, and Face Painting by Kennedy are also slated for Sunday.
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.