Metro Sports Report

Kernels raise record to perfect 6-0

The Cedar Rapids Kernels stretched their perfect record to 6-0 to start the 2015 season, topping Beloit 8-4 in front of a Tuesday night crowd of 876 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Even with the perfect record, Kernels Manager Jake Mauer did not feel his team’s performance was exactly perfect, however.

The Kernels were outhit 10-7 by the Snappers and the Cedar Rapids bullpen allowed for some drama at times.

“It wasn’t our best (game), no doubt about it,” the skipper conceded afterward. “That being said, we were able to make pitches when we needed to. They’re not all going to be pretty and a win’s still a win.”

No.11 Eagles sweep Southeastern

WEST BURLINGTON - The 11th-ranked Kirkwood softball team swept a non-conference doubleheader from Southeastern, 12-0 and 12-1, Tuesday in West Burlington.

Both games ended early due to the eight-run mercy rule.

Kennedy boys win meet in Waterloo

WATERLOO - The Kennedy Cougars captured seven events and claimed top honors at the Gordy Yuska Relays at Memorial Stadium in Waterloo Tuesday night.

Willie Rhoads was a double-winner for Kennedy in the high jump (6-5) and long jump (20-9). Shaune Beyer claimed the 110 hurdles (15.25), Matt Gardner won the 400 hurdles (55.96) and Dalles Jacobus took the discus (154-3).

Kennedy also won the shuttle hurdle relay (59.96) and 4x200 relay (1:31.93).

The Washington Warriors came home with two victories in the 4x100 relay (43.71) and the 4x400 relay (3:29.02).

Team Standings

1. Kennedy 145, 2. Cedar Falls 118, 3. Fort Dodge 89, 4. Hempstead 80, 5. Washington 63, 6. Western Dubuque 62, 7. Dubuque Senior 43.5, 8. Waverly-Shell Rock 35, 9. Waterloo West 31, 10. Waterloo East 25.5, 11. Mason City 9.

Biehl's 20th homer keys Eagles sweep

MASON CITY - Kirkwood's Lexi Biehl slugged her 20th home run of the season and four other Eagles went deep in a doubleheader sweep over NIACC on Monday.

Biehl's blast, tied for the most nationally among NJCAA Division II players, came in a 10-0 win in the opener. She had two hits and scored two runs. Chasney Jenkins 1-for-3 with homer, two runs scored and three RBIs. Jasmine Ragusi was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Nicky Simpson pitched a complete game, striking out five while allowing three hits.

Ragusi, Brooke Prior and Tara Walls all homered in the Eagles 9-1 victory in Game 2. Prior was the winning pitcher, striking out 11, allowing just one hit.

No. 11 Kirkwood is now 32-8 overall, 19-1 in league play. The Eagles are tied with DMACC for the ICCAC lead.