Kirilloff, Kernels Sweep Cubs

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Alex Kirilloff's opposite-field, go-ahead home run in the fifth inning Thursday led the Cedar Rapids Kernels toward a 6-5 win over the South Bend Cubs and a three-game sweep at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Carlos Suniaga picked up the victory in relief, and Jose Martinez closed out the triumph with his first career save.
The Kernels (13-8) grabbed a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning of Thursday's series finale. A balk allowed Kirilloff to score the first run, and Jose Miranda followed with an RBI single that drove in Andrew Bechtold.

South Bend (9-14) rallied within the third to claim a 4-2 advantage. Zach Davis hit a leadoff triple and scored on a double from Roberto Caro. Two batters later, Jared Young's run-scoring groundout tied the contest. Austin Filiere added a two-out double, and Michael Cruz launched a two-run home run to right field for South Bend's first lead of the series.
In the fifth, Kirilloff produced a three-run blast that gave Cedar Rapids a 5-4 advantage. Akil Baddoo drew a one-out walk prior to a single by Royce Lewis. Kirilloff lifted a homer into the Plumbers & Pipefitters Pavilion in left field to put the momentum and the lead back on the Kernels' side. He tops Cedar Rapids hitters this season with four round-trippers and 22 runs batted in.
Cedar Rapids and South Bend traded runs over the next two innings. Lewis delivered an RBI single during the sixth that increased the lead to 6-4. Young's second RBI groundout of the contest closed the gap to 6-5 in the seventh, but South Bend could not pull even and suffered a one-run defeat.
Suniaga (1-0) grabbed the win after allowing just one run over 2.2 innings pitched, and Martinez notched the save with 2.1 innings of scoreless and hitless relief. Ricky Tyler Thomas (1-3) yielded a career-high five runs over five innings pitched and was tagged with the loss.
The Kernels continue this homestand with a three-game series against the West Michigan Whitecaps. First pitch of Friday's opener is set for 6:35 p.m., and Kernels right-hander Brusdar Graterol (0-0, 2.45) will pitch against Whitecaps right-hander Jesus Rodriguez (1-1, 6.08). Coverage will be available on 1450 KMRY AM, 93.1 KMRY FM, and KCRG 9.2 and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Nick Jr. Night featuring Paw Patrol includes a Rubble T-Shirt Giveaway for the first 1,000 kids through the gates and special Kernels Paw Patrol jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game to support Gems Forever Animal Rescue and Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids. Friday Mug Club Night, sponsored by Stadium Bar & Grill, Shuey's Restaurant & Lounge, Red's Public House, Mulligan's, and Z102.9 includes an offer to buy a 16 oz. refillable mug of draft beer or soda for $6.00 with the option to use that mug for $3.00 refills at any Kernels Friday home game.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids 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.