Metro Sports Report

Kernels' winning streak snapped at 9

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - Austin Schotts' two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning broke a 2-2 tie and sent West Michigan past the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 7-2, Wednesday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The loss snapped the Kernels' nine-game winning streak and left them one short of earning a free meal at the Ox Yoke Inn in the Amana Colonies.

The Kernels (18-6) jumped off to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on sacrifice flies by Jorge Polanco and Dalton Hicks.

KCC's Gonzalez earns national honor

Kirkwood third baseman Jairo Gonzalez has been named the NJCAA Division II National Player of the Week for his performances in eight baseball games last week.

Gonzalez, a sophomore from Florida, hit .517 with six home runs and 19 RBIs for the Eagles last week. He went 15-for-29 at the plate and scored 14 runs.

Gonzalez was named the ICCAC Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Gonzalez has a chance to win the Triple Crown in the ICCAC this season. He ranks first in the league in home runs (8), first in RBIs (44) and second in batting average (.413).

Local players in pro baseball

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)) - Started in left field Wednesday and was 2-for-2 with a double and a stolen base in the Quakes' 2-1 loss at Stockton. Season stats: G - 22, Avg. - .308, AB - 78, H - 24, HR - 3, RBI - 14, SB - 2.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (Blue Jays)) - The Lugnuts beat Michigan State 10-2 in an exhibition game Wednesday. Season stats: G - 20, Avg. - .169, AB - 65, H - 11, HR - 1, RBI - 3, SB - 0.

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Iowa (Cubs)) - Started at designated hitter Wednesday and was 1-for-4 in the I-Cubs' 1-0 loss to Round Rock. Season stats: G - 21, Avg. - .351, AB - 77, H - 27, HR - 6, RBI - 16, SB - 1.

Nzoyisaba helps Warriors tip Saints

If you liked Etienne Nzoyisaba as a distance runner at Cedar Rapids Washington the last few years, you might absolutely love him as a soccer player.

Nzoyisaba quit running on a track this spring and began running on a soccer field, giving the Warriors another potent weapon on a talented club.

Nzoyisaba made the key pass Tuesday night as the Warriors topped Xavier, 1-0, in a fierce Mississippi Valley Conference battle under the lights at Kingston Stadium.

Nzoyisaba made a clever centering pass with about 12 minutes left and Austin Bergstrom used his head to knock the ball into the net before Xavier keeper Paul Cavin had a chance to react.