Jax Wins Kernels Debut, 3-0

CLINTON, IOWA - Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Griffin Jax tossed a career-high seven scoreless innings and earned his first professional victory in the Cedar Rapids Kernels' 3-0 three-hit shutout Sunday at the Clinton LumberKings. Logan Lombana and Hector Lujan each added a scoreless inning of relief to finish the three-hitter at Ashford University Field.
Jax (1-0), who is ranked No. 22 among Twins prospects according to Baseball America, dazzled in his first quality start. After stranding a pair of runners in scoring position during the opening stanza, Jax only allowed one other runner to reach scoring position and also retired the final eight batters that he faced. He tallied four strikeouts over seven innings and only gave up three hits and one walk.

Lombana and Lujan were credited with a hold and a save, respectively, in Sunday's shutout at Clinton (3-8, 34-44). Lombana pitched a perfect eighth inning for his second Kernels hold. Lujan was perfect in the ninth for his seventh save in as many chances this year. He has also converted his last 11 professional save opportunities dating back to 2015.
Cedar Rapids (5-6, 44-37) scored in each of the first three innings to build a 3-0 lead. In the first inning, Travis Blankenhorn hit a two-out double and scored on a single from Lewin Diaz. Andre Jernigan drew a one-out walk during the second and came home after Lean Marrero's RBI double. Aaron Whitefield led off the third inning by lifting a solo home run to left field. Whitefield tied Diaz for the active team high in homers with his ninth blast of the season.
All of Cedar Rapids' runs were allowed by Clinton's Steven Moyers (0-3), who suffered the loss after giving up three runs in 4.2 innings pitched. Tim Viehoff registered 4.1 shutout innings out of the bullpen Sunday.
The Kernels improved to 2-1 in this four-game series and increased their home run total to 70 round-trippers. Cedar Rapids is on pace to break the Kernels' single-season record of 117 homers in 2004.
Monday's series finale is slated for 6:30 p.m. with left-hander Anthony Marzi (0-0, -.--) scheduled to make his Cedar Rapids debut against Clinton southpaw Danny Garcia (5-5, 6.20). Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will call the action on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com and www.kernels.com.
The next Kernels homestand begins Tuesday, July 4 and continues through Monday, July 10. Fans can purchase tickets for all 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 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.