Kernels make early runs hold up
PEORIA, Ill - The Cedar Rapids Kernels scored three runs in the first inning and it proved to be enough as the Kernels downed the Peoria Chiefs, 3-2, Thursday night before 2,884 fans at Dozer Park.
The Kernels (25-16) opened the scoring in the top of the first against Chiefs righty Matt Pearce. Tanner English and Blake Schmit reached base on back-to-back walks. Two batters later Max Murphy walked to load the bases and English scored on a sacrifice fly from Zack Larson to make it 1-0. T.J. White tripled past a diving Collin Radack to drive in Schmit and Murphy for the 3-0 Kernels lead.
Cedar Rapids managed just three hits in the game, but still found a way to win.
The Chiefs got on the board against Kernels starter Felix Jorge in the bottom of the second. Alex DeLeon came up with two outs and blasted a solo home run over the left field wall to make it 3-1. The home run is DeLeon's second of the season and gives him 11 RBI so far this year.