BURLINGTON - These are hard times for the struggling Cedar Rapids Kernels.

The Kernels collected only five hits Friday night and were beaten by the Burlington Bees, 8-2, for their seventh loss in a row before 427 fans at Community Field.

Cedar Rapids had an 18-12 record less than two weeks ago, but the Kernels have fallen to a 19-22 mark with 10 losses in their last 11 outings.

Michael Quesada hit a solo home run for Cedar Rapids.

Aaron Slegers, who has been the Kernels' top starting pitcher this season, was touched for nine hits and six runs (five earned) in six innings. Slegers (4-1, 3.80 ERA) struck out one batter and did not walk anyone.

The Kernels and Bees meet again Saturday night in Burlington.

KERNELS (2): Walker, ss, 4 0 0 0, Vavra, 2b, 3 0 0 0, Christensen, cf, 4 0 0 0, Garver, dh, 4 1 2 0, Haar, 3b, 3 0 1 0, Williams, lf, 3 0 1 1, Altobelli, 1b, 3 0 0 0, Quesada, c, 3 1 1 1, Thomas, rf, 3 0 0 0. Totals 30 2 5 2.

BURLINGTON (8): Hinshaw, cf, 4 0 1 0, Salcedo, 2b, 3 3 2 1, Fish, lf, 3 1 1 0, Aguilera, 1b, 4 1 2 2, Bayardi, dh, 4 1 2 1, Rosa, ss, 4 1 1 3, Mendoza, rf, 4 0 0 0, McGee, c, 4 0 1 1, Dionicio, 3b, 3 1 2 0. Totals 33 8 12 8.

Kernels      001 000 100 - 2 5 1

Burlington   000 204 20x - 8 12 0

Slegers, Muren (7) and Quesada. Etsell, Busenitz (8), Gordon (9) and McGee. W - Etsell (3-1). L - Slegers (4-1). 2B - Williams (3), Fish (8), Rosa (9), Dionicio (1). 3B - Haar (2). HR - Quesada (1). SB - Garver (3). E - Walker (1). T - 2:32. A - 427.