BURLINGTON - The Cedar Rapids Kernels came from behind to edge past Burlington, 7-6, Sunday afternoon before 1,866 fans at Community Field, snapping an eight-game losing streak.

The Kernels trailed by four runs after three innings, but rallied to tie the game in the sixth inning before moving ahead in the ninth.

Cedar Rapids scored twice in the top of the ninth to break a 5-5 tie and take a 7-5 lead.

J.D. Williams started the inning by doubling to deep left-center. Chad Christensen's RBI single through the right side of the infield put the Kernels in front as Williams scored on a close play at the dish. Christensen later scored on a sacrifice fly by Bryan Haar.

Burlington trimmed the Kernels' lead to 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth inning with a solo home run by Kody Eaves, but that was all they could push across in the final frame as the Kernels held on for the win. Todd Van Steensel was credited with his first save as he pitched the final inning for the Kernels.

Derrick Penilla (1-1) picked up the win for Cedar Rapids. He was terrific in relief, going three scoreless innings. He allowed only one hit while striking out four and walking none.

Brian Loconsole (0-1) took the loss for Burlington. The reliever allowed two runs on four hits over three innings.

The Kernels got on the board in the fifth inning when Mitch Garver doubled home a pair of runs, cutting the Burlington lead to 4-2. Tanner Varva singled down the right-field line with two outs. Christensen walked before Garver drove a ball into right-center.

Cedar Rapids tied the game, 5-5, by scoring three runs in the sixth inning with three doubles. Bo Altobelli reached on a throwing error by Bees shortstop Erick Salcedo to begin the inning. Michael Quesada doubled to put a pair in scoring position. Joel Licon's RBI double down the third-base line scored Altobelli and moved Quesada to third.

Williams tied the game with a two-run double to deep center, scoring Quesada and Licon. Ethan Mildren started for the Kernels and took a no-decision. He allowed five runs on nine hits over five innings. Mildren struck out five and walked one. The Kernels return home Monday night to take on the Beloit Snappers at 6:35. Josue Montanez (0-2, 8.74) will get the start for the Kernels.

KERNELS (7): Williams, lf, 5 1 3 2, Vavra, 2b, 5 1 3 0, Christensen, cf, 3 2 1 1, Garver, dh, 5 0 2 2, Haar, 3b, 4 0 1 1, Altobelli, 1b, 5 1 2 0, Quesada, c, 5 1 1 0, Licon, ss, 4 1 1 1, Thomas, rf, 4 0 1 0. Totals 40 7 15 7.

BURLINGTON (6): Eaves, 2b, 5 1 2 2, Hinshaw, cf, 4 2 2 0, Fish, dh, 5 1 2 1, Aguilera, 1b, 3 1 3 2, Cayones, lf, 3 0 1 0, Rosa, 3b, 4 0 0 0, Mendoza, rf, 4 0 0 0, Moye, c, 4 0 0 0, Salcedo, ss, 4 1 1 0. Totals 36 6 11 5.

Kernels      000 023 002 - 7 15 0
Burlington   211 010 001 - 6 11 2

Mildren, Penilla (6), Van Steensel (9) and Quesada. Nuss, Smith (5), Loconsole (7) and Moye. W - Penilla (1-0). L - Loconsole (0-1). S - Van Steensel (1). 2B - Vavra (8), Haar (6), Garver (11), Quesada (5), Licon (3), Williams 2 (5). 3B - Fish (4). HR - Eaves (2). SB - Aguilera (3), Salcedo (5), Hinshaw 2 (13). E - Salcedo 2 (9). T - 3:00. A - 1,866.