PEREZ HOME RUN GIVES KERNELS 1-0 WIN IN PITCHERS’ DUEL

Cedar Rapids, IA – Cedar Rapids was limited to just one hit on the night, but it was enough. The Kernels won a pitchers’ duel over Wisconsin, beating the Timber Rattlers 1-0 in the third game of the series.

Mikey Perez connected for the lone hit. Playing in just his 11th game for Cedar Rapids after starting the season in St. Paul, Minn., the 2021 15th-round draft pick hit his first home run for the Kernels. The solo shot landed in the left field pavilion.

All four pitchers for Cedar Rapids had solid outings. Starter Tyler Palm allowed two hits and struck out three batters while walking one in three innings of work. Jon Olsen (1-0) started the fourth inning in relief and earned the win. He allowed one walk while pitching 2.2 innings. Olsen threw 34 pitches, 28 of which were strikes. Matthew Swain threw 1.1 innings of relief, recorded one strike and allowed one walk. Bradley Hanner tossed the final two innings to earn his second save.

The victory guarantees a split of the six-game series for Cedar Rapids (66-45 overall, 23-22 MWL-West second half), which has won five of its last six games.

Game four of the series is tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Stadium in Cedar Rapids. It’s Wand and Wizardry Night. The first 1,000 fans receive a mystery wand and the Kernels will wear wizardry-themed jerseys to commemorate the evening. These jerseys are currently available for auction via the LiveSource app. The jersey auction ends tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. for position players and coaches and at 8:45 p.m. for pitchers and non-worn jerseys.

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