Beeker Earns Ninth Kernels Victory

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Clark Beeker tossed six shutout innings for the Cedar Rapids Kernels and notched his team-high ninth victory in an 8-5 win Sunday against the Lansing Lugnuts at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Kernels offense was led by an Amaurys Minier grand slam, Caleb Hamilton's three runs batted in, and Hank Morrison's three hits and three runs scored.
Beeker (9-3) became the first Kernels pitcher to reach nine victories since Randy LeBlanc posted a 9-5 record in 2015. Beeker only allowed four hits and did not give up a walk over six innings in his team-best 11^th quality start. He stranded three runners in scoring position between the first and second frames, and no other runners advanced past first base in the next four innings.

Hamilton powered Cedar Rapids (14-16, 53-47) to several early runs in Sunday's contest. He produced a two-out, two-run single against Kyle Weatherly in the bottom of the first that opened the scoring. In the third inning, Hamilton hit an RBI single and was followed by a sacrifice fly from Andre Jernigan that put the Kernels ahead by a 4-0 margin. Weatherly (0-2) was charged for all four runs and took the loss.
Minier doubled the Kernels' lead to 8-0 with a grand slam during the fifth. An error extended the inning ahead of Minier, who crushed the next pitch from Connor Eller over the right-field wall to clear the bases. It was the first Kernels grand slam since a Zander Wiel blast back on September 5, 2016 against the Clinton LumberKings.
Lansing (10-20, 47-49) sliced its deficit to 8-5 in the eighth but could not complete the comeback. Mitch Nay tagged Ryan Mason with a three-run homer to left field. Later in the frame, Luis Silva picked up an RBI single against Max Cordy and scored a run of his own via wild pitch. Cordy escaped the inning with no further damage done and pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure Cedar Rapids' 8-5 victory.
The series finale is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. Monday afternoon. Kernels southpaw Anthony Marzi (3-0, 1.37) will face Lugnuts right-hander Mike Ellenbest (3-6, 7.43). Morgan Hawk will have the call online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Monday's contest is a Noon Game presented by Z 102.9. Fans can enjoy a Noon Game Combo Special that includes a regular sandwich, a choice of chips or popcorn, and a 16 oz. regular draft beer or 20 oz. bottled soda or water for just $8.50. Mark Down Monday features regular hot dogs for $1.50 apiece and small popcorn, chips, and ice cream sandwiches for $1.00 each.
Fans can purchase tickets for all 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 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.