Pitching and Defense Propels Kernels to 2-1 Win Over Peoria

Cedar Rapids, IA - Five one-run innings from John Klein, four scoreless innings by the bullpen and a home run-saving catch by Misael Urbina lifted Cedar Rapids to a 2-1 win over Peoria in game two of the series.

After a combined 17 runs on 25 hits in game one of the set, game two of the series began with pitching. Peoria starter Cooper Hjerpe sat down the first six Kernels he faced to begin the night, and the score sat 0-0 going to the bottom of the third inning.

To lead off the third, Agustin Ruiz walked, putting a runner on for Keoni Cavaco, who smashed a two-run home run deep to left field to put the Kernels on top 2-0.

In the top of the fifth, Peoria got on the board. Brody Moore doubled with one out, after he stole third, he came home to score on a Zach Levenson RBI single to cut the Cedar Rapids lead in half at 2-1.

But that was the only run allowed by the Kernels on the night. Starter John Klein notched his second straight win, going five one-run innings, allowing just four hits compared to five strikeouts.

Behind Klein the Cedar Rapids bullpen was dominant to close out the victory. Jordan Carr picked up a strikeout in a scoreless inning, Kyle Bischoff notched a pair of scoreless frames and Ricardo Velez improved to 5-5 in save opportunities locking down the game with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

On defense, Misael Urbina made the catch of the year to keep the game tied in the eighth inning. Levenson lifted a high fly ball to left field, and Urbina jumped at the wall, reaching back over the fence to take away a would-be game-tying home run to preserve the 2-1 lead, the score which would be the final.

The win improves Cedar Rapids back to .500 at 11-11 on the season and evens the series with Peoria at 1-1. Game three of the series is set for tomorrow at 6:35 with Miguelangel Boadas on the mound opposite Cade Winquest.