Metro Sports Report

Kernels make strong impression

The Cedar Rapids Kernels helped themselves to heaping plates of meatballs and spaghetti as the stereo blared in their victorious locker room Thursday night.

As far as first impressions go, they made a good one.

The Kernels belted two home runs in the first inning and their pitchers struck out 16 batters as they trimmed Beloit in the season opener, 9-7, before 1,943 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Kernels finished with a woeful 53-86 record in their final season as a member of the Los Angeles Angels organization last year, but this is a new year with a new bunch of players who hope to play in the Major Leagues with the Minnesota Twins some day.

Kernels pitchers punch out 16 in opener

The Major League pitching staff of the Minnesota Twins may have more than their fair share of question marks as the 2013 season opens, but on Thursday night a couple of possible answers were on display at Perfect Game Field in Cedar Rapids.

Of course, those answers may take a couple of years to emerge at the Major League level.

Cedar Rapids Kernels pitchers Taylor Rogers and Tyler Jones combined to strike out 13 Beloit Snappers hitters Thursday night, as the Kernels topped Beloit 9-7. Manuel Soliman and Chris Mazza added three more strikeouts while finishing up the final two innings, giving Kernels pitchers a total of 16 stikeouts on the night.

New affiliation ignites enthusiasm for Kernels

Bob and Janean Blake have been season-ticket holders and have served as a host family for the Cedar Rapids Kernels for 13 seasons.

When the Marion couple heard the Kernels were going to be affiliated with the Minnesota Twins last fall, they couldn't wait for opening day.

They were in attendance Thursday night as Cedar Rapids opened with a 9-7 win over Beloit at Veterans Memorial Stadium and are thrilled about what the new affiliation will mean to the community and them personally.

Estelle, Murtha shine at Iowa City meet

IOWA CITY - Marissa Estelle of Kennedy and Craig Murtha of Xavier were double-winners at the Iowa City West coed track meet Thursday.

Estelle captured the 100 hurdles and 200 dash for the Cougars. Murtha claimed the shot put and discus for the Saints.

The Linn-Mar girls won five events and finished second in the team standings. Rachel Perry (400), Amber Decker (800) and Stephanie Jenks (1500) won individual titles. The Lions also claimed the 4x800 relay and sprint medley.