Chiefs Fall to Cedar Rapids in Extra Innings

Peoria, IL - Despite two homeruns in the bottom of the ninth, the Peoria Chiefs fell to the Cedar Rapids Kernels 3-2 in 11 innings Friday night at Dozer Park. The Chiefs fall to 1-1 in the second half of the season with two games left in this four-game homestand.

  Cedar Rapids drew first blood in the top of the third against Chiefs starter Michael Brettell. Trevor Casanova doubled with runners on first and second to bring home the first run of the game. A walk in the following at-bat loaded the bases before Gilberto Celestino grounded into a double play, allowing a run to score to increase the lead to 2-0.
     The Chiefs broke through on the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth against Kernels reliever Moises Gomez. With one out, Ivan Herrera blasted his sixth homerun of the season to cut the deficit to 2-1. Juan Yepez followed with his third homerun of the season, tying the game at two.
      The Kernels regained the lead in the top of the eleventh against Chiefs reliever Edgar Escobar. With one out, Gilberto Celestino doubled to score the ghost runner from second for the 3-2 lead.
     Brettell took the no decision after pitching a career-high seven innings allowing two runs on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Cole Aker pitched one shutout inning allowing only one hit with one walk and three strikeouts. Evan Sisk pitched two shutout innings with one walk and two strikeouts. Escobar (1-1) took the loss, pitching one inning allowing one unearned run on one hit with one strikeout.   
     The Chiefs continue their series with the Cedar Rapids Kernels Saturday at 6:35 p.m. Promotions can be found on the team website or social media accounts. Peoria will start RH Franyel Casasdilla (3-1, 3.65) against Cedar Rapids RH Josh Winder (5-1, 2.50). The broadcast can be heard, starting with the Pre-Game Show at 6:20 p.m. on the Peoria Chiefs Tune-In Page, which is free and also has a free app for smartphones and tablets. The game is also available on MiLB.tv to subscribers.