Kernels big first inning puts Rattlers behind the 8-ball
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels scored eight runs in the first inning of the second game of a doubleheader at Perfect Game Field against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Tuesday night. The big inning allowed the Kernels to cruise to a 9-1 victory in the game a twinbill sweep.
Cedar Rapids (9-3) sent twelve batters to the plate, cracked six hits, and scored eight runs in the bottom of the first to take immediate control of the game against Rattlers starting pitcher Jorge Lopez. Byron Buxton beat out an infield single to start the barrage. Tyler Grimes followed with a single. Jorge Polanco was next and his double drove in both runners. Dalton Hicks singled to put runners on the corners. Adam Brett Walker grounded into a force play at second that let Polanco score for a 3-0 lead.
Then, Travis Harrison homered over the wall in left. His two-run line drive longball made it 5-0.
Lopez would load the bases by hitting a batter and walking two before Buxton came to bat for the second time in the inning. Buxton doubled to drive in two runs and knock Lopez out of the game.
Ryan Gibbard took over for Lopez with runners at second and third and one out. The second out of the inning came on a sacrifice fly by Tyler Grimes that scored a run to make it 8-0.
The Kernels tacked on an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to an error, a walk, and a passed ball. That made it 9-0.
The Rattlers (4-6), who were shutout on seven hits in the first game of the doubleheader, had three hits through six innings and appeared to be headed to a second straight shutout. But, Michael Reed tripled to start the last inning for Wisconsin. Mitch Haniger got the run home with a grounder to third. But, the Rattlers would get no closer.
The final game of the four game series in Cedar Rapids is scheduled for Wednesday. Preston Gainey (0-1, 18.00) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Timber Rattlers. The Kernels have Taylor Rogers (0-0, 0.00) as their scheduled starter. Game time is 6:35pm. Tune in for the broadcast on AM1280, WNAM starting with the Miller Lite Pregame Show at 6:15pm.
HR:
Travis Harrison (2nd, 1 on in 1st inning off Jorge Lopez, 1 out)
WP: Tim Atherton (1-0)
LP: Jorge Lopez (0-2)
TIME: 1:51
ATTN: 611