Carlini, Whitefield Lead Kernels to 3-0 Win

BURLINGTON, IOWA - Domenick Carlini IV posted a shutout start for the Cedar Rapids Kernels Friday at Community Field, and Aaron Whitefield was responsible for all of Cedar Rapids' offense in a 3-0 win at the Burlington Bees. Patrick McGuff, Max Cordy, and Hector Lujan completed the combined shutout, securing the Kernels' third consecutive victory. Cedar Rapids also moved back into first place in the Western Division standings.
In the longest shutout start of his career, Carlini kept the Bees (20-32) quiet over six scoreless innings within a quality start. Caleb Hamilton threw out Derek Jenkins at home plate in the first inning to help Carlini get through the opening stanza. Carlini faced the minimum in the next four frames and left a runner at third base during the sixth to cap his shutout start. He also claimed the win Friday and lifted his record to 3-3.

Whitefield either scored or drove in every run for Cedar Rapids (32-23) in a series-opening victory. He opened the third inning with a walk and came home from third base on a sacrifice fly from Ariel Montesino. Whitefield produced an RBI single in the fifth that brought in Hank Morrison. Later in the inning, Whitefield scored from second base during a sacrifice fly by Travis Blankenhorn.
The Kernels' bullpen posted zeroes over the final three innings to finish a 3-0 shutout. McGuff got into a jam in the seventh, but Cordy escaped the bases-loaded situation with a double play and also pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Lujan tossed a shutout frame in the ninth. McGuff and Cordy were each credited with their first holds of the season while Lujan grabbed his third save.
Nate Bertness (2-4) took the loss for Burlington. He allowed three runs, including only one earned run, over five innings pitched. Mike Kaelin and Greg Belton each registered two shutout innings of relief.
Game two of this three-game series is slated for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Kernels right-hander Clark Beeker (5-2, 2.50) will pitch against Bees right-hander Andrew Vinson (3-5, 6.11). Catch the coverage with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com and www.kernels.com.
Cedar Rapids' next homestand runs from Friday, June 9 through Monday, June 12. 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.