Duran dominates against former team as Kernels win

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Jhoan Duran was terrific against his former teammates in a 3-1 win over the Kane County Cougars on Friday night. Duran (7-5) struck out a season-high 10 batters and allowed just one hit over 6.2 scoreless innings to earn the victory.
Duran was facing Kane County for the first time since he was traded on July 27 by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Minnesota Twins and joined the Kernels in the Eduardo Escobar deal.
The 20-year-old retired 13 Cougars in a row at one point, in between two of his three walks issued. That stretch included eight of his 10 strikeouts on the night. Kernels right fielder Gabriel Maciel prevented a hit in the fifth inning with a diving catch. Maciel, also a former Cougar, was part of the trade involving Duran.
Michael Helman drilled a solo home run to left field in the first inning and put Cedar Rapids (70-60, 38-23) up 1-0. It was his second in 18 games since joining the Kernels.
Michael Davis pushed the lead to 3-0 in the seventh inning with a two-run single to right field.
Kane County (68-61, 33-27) plated its lone run in the eighth inning when reliever Johan Quezada was called for a balk with a runner at third.
Quezada earned his first save in his second appearance for the Kernels, going 2.1 innings and striking out three while allowing one run on two hits.
The victory secured a 70-win season for the sixth consecutive season, every year of the affiliation with the Minnesota Twins.
Game two of the series is on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. Fans can listen to the action on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM, as well as online at www.kernels.com and www.kmryradio.com.
It's one of the biggest nights of the season with Cargill/Special Olympics Night. There will be a huge silent auction on the concourse during the game, with the proceeds to benefit Special Olympics. The Kernels will be recognizing members of the Host Family program in a ceremony on the field before the game. And after the game, enjoy a spectacular FIREWORKS show, presented by Special Olympics.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids 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.