Sands, Snyder Stand Out in Narrow Defeat
COMSTOCK PARK, MICH. - Despite a career-high-tying eight strikeouts by Cole Sands and a game-tying home run from Gabe Snyder, the Cedar Rapids Kernels dropped a 7-4 decision Saturday evening against the West Michigan Whitecaps in the finale of a three-game series and six-game Cedar Rapids road trip.Cedar Rapids (15-20)
COMSTOCK PARK, MICH. - Despite a career-high-tying eight strikeouts by
Cedar Rapids (15-20) grabbed a quick lead in the second inning before West Michigan (16-18) surged in front, 2-1, during the home half of the frame.
Snyder brought the Kernels level within the top of the sixth, but the Whitecaps regained the lead later in the inning. Snyder lifted a solo home run to right field for a brief 2-2 tie.
Sands (1-1) ended his night within that sixth inning and suffered the first loss of his career. He allowed seven hits and four runs over 5.1 innings pitched, and his eight strikeouts matched a personal best that was set April 6 at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in his professional debut.
The seventh inning would become the third frame with a Cedar Rapids run in the top half before West Michigan tallied multiple runs in response. The Kernels closed the gap to 5-3 when
Bañuelos kept the comeback alive during the eighth inning. Following a leadoff walk by
Cedar Rapids returns to action Monday night at 5:30 p.m. by hosting the Quad Cities River Bandits for a doubleheader. Kernels right-handers
Monday's doubleheader opens a four-game, three-day Cedar Rapids Kernels homestand. Mark Down Monday includes special deals of $1.50 apiece for regular hot dogs and $1.00 each for small popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, and chips.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.
The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.