GENEVA, Ill. - The Cedar Rapids Kernels lost to the Kane County Cougars, 5-2, Saturday night before 6,706 fans at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark to fall eight games under .500 with a 27-35 record.

Lewis Thorpe made his pitching debut for the Kernels and was touched for five runs in 4.2 innings. He allowed six hits and three walks, with one strikeout.

Chad Christensen hit a two-run double in the eighth inning to pull the Kernels within 5-2, but the rally ended there.

The Kernels and Kane County (42-20) meet Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Kane County park in Geneva, Ill.

KERNELS (2): Walker, dh, 4 1 2 0, Vielma, ss, 4 1 0 0, Christensen, lf, 4 0 1 2, Garver, c, 3 0 1 0, Haar, 3b, 4 0 1 0, Kanzler, cf, 3 0 0 0, Vavra, 2b, 4 0 0 0, Altobelli, 1b, 4 0 0 0, Murphy, rf, 4 0 2 0. Totals 34 2 7 2.

KANE COUNTY (5): Hannemann, cf, 5 0 1 0, Lockhart, 2b, 3 1 1 0, Carhart,c, 4 2 2 1, Hankins, 3b, 3 1 1 0, Balaguert, rf, 2 1 0 0, Rogers, 1b, 2 0 1 1, Brockmeyer, dh, 3 0 1 2, Penalver, ss, 3 0 0 1, Martin, lf, 4 0 0 0. Totals 29 5 7 5.