Cedar Rapids Rallies for 7-6 Walk-Off Win

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Matt Wallner tallied a career-high two home runs and six runs batted in Wednesday, but Gabe Snyder providing the finishing salvo with a walk-off double in a 7-6 Cedar Rapids Kernels victory against the Peoria Chiefs at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Snyder’s decisive double came during the bottom of the ninth. Seth Gray was hit by a pitch to open the frame, and he advanced to second base on a single from Wallner. Snyder followed with a deep drive to left field that bounced its way into the bend at the left-field wall and allowed Gray to score the winning run of a 7-6 triumph.

Wallner drove in each of the previous six runs for Cedar Rapids (2-0) earlier in the contest. His third-inning sacrifice fly closed the gap to 3-1. In the fifth inning when the deficit was at 5-1, Wallner lifted a two-run homer to right field. He added a towering three-run blast within the seventh that gave the Kernels their first lead at 6-5.

Peoria (0-2) quickly answered in the eighth to force a 6-6 tie. Alec Burleson’s solo shot leveled the contest, but Cedar Rapids would eventually walk off for its second win in as many days to begin this six-game series and the 2021 season.

Jordan Gore (1-0) gave up one run over two innings of work but also picked up two strikeouts along with the victory. He succeeded Tyler Palm who grinded through three scoreless frames to keep the Kernels close during their comeback attempt.

Leonardo Taveras (0-1) was charged with the loss for the Chiefs. He surrendered one run in one-plus inning pitched out of the bullpen.

The Kernels also played Wednesday’s game as “las Cinco Estaciones de Cedar Rapids” as part of Minor League Baseball’s “Copa de la Diversión” initiative that recognizes and celebrates Hispanic culture. Five future Wednesday home games this season will also feature this alternate identity and special jerseys.

Cedar Rapids and Peoria play again Thursday at 6:35pm at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The probable pitchers are Kernels right-hander Blayne Enlow (0-0, -.--) and Chiefs southpaw Mac Lardner (0-0, -.--). Broadcast coverage will be available on www.kernels.com and MiLB.TV.

Beginning with Thursday’s tilt, four games remain in the current Kernels homestand. Highlighted promotions include Two for One Friday sponsored by 98.1 KHAK, postgame fireworks Saturday, and Kids Eat Free Sunday presented by Great Clips and Z102.9.

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.