Kernels Knock off Chiefs Thursday

Cedar Rapids, IA- The Peoria Chiefs jumped out to an early lead Thursday but the Cedar Rapids Kernels pieced together a rally to defeat the Chiefs 6-4 at PG Cares Field.

Peoria wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first inning. After back-to-back singles from Victor Scott and Nathan Church, Aaron McKeithan singled into center to plate Scott and give the Chiefs a 1-0 lead. After a wild pitch pushed both Church and McKeithan into scoring position, Jeremy Rivas doubled to the gap in left center to jolt the Peoria lead to 3-0. For Rivas, it was his third two-bagger of the series and his third and fourth RBIs.

Cardinals No. 2 prospect Tink Hence took the baseball for Peoria Thursday. The 20-year-old was making his second start since returning from the Injured List on May 11. The right-hander dialed up a double play ball and faced the minimum in the first.

In the home second, Cedar Rapids pieced together a three-run frame to tie the score. After consecutive singles opened the inning, Jose Salas singled to left to make it a 3-1 game. Following an RBI groundout from Willie Joe Garry Jr., designated hitter Jefferson Morales singled home Salas to tie the score, 3-3.

An inning later, Cedar Rapids took a lead they would not relinquish. Twins No. 3 prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez homered over the wall in right to make it a 4-3 game. Hence finished the inning and surrendered seven hits over three innings. It was the first time in his career that he allowed more than four hits in a single outing.

The Kernels tacked on an additional run in the fourth against Peoria reliever Gustavo Rodriguez. After a pair of walks, Tanner Schobel singled in a run to push the lead to 5-3.

Cedar Rapids starter Jaylen Nowlin was admirable after a rough first inning. The left-hander retired the final 11 Chiefs batters he faced and earned the win after six innings of work.

Peoria reliever Alfredo Ruiz kept his club in the ballgame. Ruiz did not allow a hit over 3.1 innings of work but did surrender an unearned tally in the bottom of the sixth. A passed ball allowed Ben Ross to score and extended the Kernels lead to 6-3.

The Chiefs had their best chance at a rally in the top of the seventh inning. After former Chiefs hurler Gianluca Dalatri retired the first two men he faced, an error and a hit by pitch extended the inning for Scott, who promptly singled into center to cut the deficit to 6-4. With the tying run now on base, Church grounded out to end the inning.

Kernels closer Miguel Rodriguez recorded a six-out save to end the contest and complete the Cedar Rapids rally. Hence was tagged with the loss Thursday, just the third of his professional career.

The series continues Friday from Cedar Rapids. Dionys Rodriguez will start for Peoria. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.