Javier reaches base four times as Kernels fall 4-3

South Bend, IN – Cedar Rapids shortstop Wander Javier went 2-for-2 while reaching base four times as the Kernels fell 4-3 to the South Bend Cubs on Saturday evening. The Kernels led 2-0 through five, but a three-run Cubs homer in the sixth flipped the game on its head. With the loss, Cedar Rapids falls to 36-20 on the year.

Javier opened the scoring in the third with a scorching RBI double into left-center after Holland drew a four-pitch walk. Aaron Sabato added to the lead with a solo blast out to right in the fourth, handing the Kernels a 2-0 lead.

Aaron Rozek threw well while making his ninth start of the season, striking out three over 4.0 scoreless. The lefthander took a no-hitter into the fourth and finished his line scattering two hits and a walk.

South Bend took the lead with a three-run homer in the sixth and added an unearned run an inning later.

Trailing 4-2 entering the ninth, Yunior Severino drew a leadoff walk then Seth Gray smashed an RBI double – his second hit of the night – off the left field wall. Javier drew a walk with one away to put the tying and go-ahead runs on base, but South Bend’s closer struck out the final two hitters to close things out.

The series finale is set for 2:05 p.m. ET on Sunday in South Bend.

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