Lee shuts down Rattlers offense

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA -  One night after the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers scored 14 runs against the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Brett Lee and Tyler Jones combined to shutout the Rattlers on seven hits.  The Kernels took game one of a doubleheader with Wisconsin at Perfect Game Field 3-0.

The Kernels (8-3) took the lead with an unearned run in the bottom of the third.  JD Williams singled to right with one out and took second on an errant throw behind him at first base.  Jorge Polanco got Williams home with a two-out single to right and the Kernels were up 1-0.

Wisconsin (4-5) put a two-out rally together in the top of the fifth inning as Chris McFarland and Michael Reed had consecutive singles that put runners on the corners against Lee.  But, the Kernels starter escaped the jam by getting a grounder to end the frame.

In the top of the sixth, Parker Berberet and Clint Coulter also came up with back-to-back singles with two outs for the Rattlers.  But, Lee got out of it again with a chopper back to the mound.

Cedar Rapids added to their lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth against reliever Austin Blaski.  The right-hander walked the first two batters of the inning and a one out single loaded the bases for the Kernels.  Romy Jimenez followed with a single to score the first run of the inning.  An error on a two out grounder off the bat of Williams let another insurance run score for the Kernels.

Mike Garza doubled to start the Wisconsin seventh, but he was stranded there as Tyler Jones got the final three outs.

Lee pitched six innings and scattered six hits to earn his second win of the season.  He struck out three and walked none.

WP: Brett Lee (2-0)
LP: Brent Suter (0-1)

SAVE: Tyler Jones (2)
 
TIME: 1:40