Kernels Score Four in the Fifth Take Series Finale 6-1
South Bend, IN - Thanks to a hit and five walks, the Cedar Rapids offense scored four times in the fifth inning, growing a 2-1 advantage into a 6-1 advantage the tally which would be the final Sunday afternoon. The Cedar Rapids offense struck first in the top of the
South Bend, IN - Thanks to a hit and five walks, the Cedar Rapids offense scored four times in the fifth inning, growing a 2-1 advantage into a 6-1 advantage the tally which would be the final Sunday afternoon.
The Cedar Rapids offense struck first in the top of the second. Kala’i Rosario smashed his 11th hit of the series down the left field line for a double to start the inning. After a ground ball moved him to third, Misael Urbina drove home his eighth run of the season with a ground out to third to open the game’s scoring and make it 1-0.
In the bottom of the second, South Bend evened the contest. Ethan Hearn doubled to lead off the inning, and two batters later, Christian Franklin singled to drive home the Cubs’ first basemen, making it a 1-1 game.
In the top of the third, the Kernels got that run right back. With one out, Emmanuel Rodriguez, in his second game back off the injured list, took ball four then stole second base. Pitches later, Ben Ross roped a double off the wall scoring Rodriguez to give the Kernels the lead for the final time.
With the score still standing at 2-1 in the top of the fifth inning, Cedar Rapids loaded the bases on three straight walks for Rosario, who also took ball four to make it 3-1. Next batter, Jose Salas, scored a run with an infield single, making it 4-1 while keeping the bases loaded for Urbina. After a lengthy at-bat, Urbina also took a walk plating another run, and then Wille Joe Garry Jr. made it a four-run inning, driving in a run with a sacrifice fly to make it 6-1.
On the mound, Kyle Jones grabbed his first win of the season, allowing just one run while striking out five over five innings. Behind him, the Cedar Rapids bullpen threw scoreless innings the rest of the way. Combined between Mike Paredes, John Stankiewicz, Malik Barrington and Regi Grace, the Kernels’ pen threw four scoreless frames, allowing just two hits while striking out five to secure the 6-1 win.
The victory brings the Kernels back up to .500 at 13-13 on the season, and the win completes the team’s first six-game series victory of the season. After an off day tomorrow, the Kernels begin the back half of their twelve-game road trip Tuesday at 6:30 against Quad Cities, with Alejandro Hidalgo getting the game one start.