Metro Sports Report

Peterson promoted to Fort Myers

Cedar Rapids Kernels relief pitcher Brandon Peterson has been promoted to the Fort Myers Miracle in the Florida State League, the team announced Monday.

Peterson is the first Kernels player to be promoted to Fort Myers this season.

Peterson, from Minnesota, pitched at DMACC and Wichita State during his college career and quickly became one of the top relief pitchers in the Midwest League. He appeared in nine games for the Kernels, going 1-0 with a 0.71 ERA.

Peterson was 3-for-3 in save opportunities and allowed only one run in 12.2 innings. He struck out 19 batters and walked only two.

Kirkwood softball team falls short

FORT DODGE - The Kirkwood softball team enjoyed a terrific regular season with a 25-game winning streak and a No.4 national ranking, but the year had an unhappy ending for the Eagles Sunday at the NJCAA Region XI tournament in Fort Dodge.

DMACC defeated Kirkwood for the second straight day, this time 7-1 in the championship round to win the regional title.

DMACC topped the Eagles Saturday in the winner's bracket final, 5-1.

Kirkwood defeated Marshalltown, 8-0, in the loser's bracket final Sunday to gain another shot at DMACC, but the Eagles could not mount enough of an offense to stay alive.

Kirkwood won the conference title and finished the season with a 52-8 record.

Sprinkel helps Coe net IIAC title

Coe tennis star Noah Sprinkel had his serve measured at 121 mph on a radar gun last fall, but it's probably even faster than that.

"It wasn't my greatest serving day, so I don't know," he said Saturday, wondering how fast it really is. "I think it would be fun to see. Maybe some day."

It would be fun for Sprinkel, but no fun for opponents.

Sprinkel used his rocket serves, powerful ground strokes and deft touch Saturday to help Coe capture the Iowa Conference tennis tournament and earn the school's 14th trip to the NCAA Division III meet.

The Kohawks blanked Central College, 7-0, in the semifinals and defeated Luther, 5-2, in the championship round.

Slegers sparkles as Kernels roll

The 2,899 fans who showed up for the game at Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday saw a familiar face in left field for the locals as outfielder J.D. Williams, who played 80 games with Cedar Rapids before being promoted to the Fort Myers Miracle last season, has rejoined the club from extended spring training.

Williams made his presence felt early Saturday night, driving in Engelb Vielma with the Kernels’ first run of the night with a double to left field in the third inning.

The Kernels went on to top the visiting Peoria Chiefs, 3-0, tying the current series at one game each.

Aaron Slegers (3-0) turned in a second straight top-of-the-line performance on the mound for Cedar Rapids, throwing seven innings of shutout ball. He struck out six Peoria hitters, while surrendering just four hits and a pair of walks.