Helman, Cabbage Power Kernels Thursday

BELOIT, Wis. – Two-run home runs from Michael Helman and Trey Cabbage put the Cedar Rapids Kernels ahead for good in a 10-7 win Thursday against the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field. Cedar Rapids improved to 15-18 overall while securing a 2-1 advantage in its six-game series at Beloit (16-17).

The Snappers jumped out to a 1-0 lead within the second inning. Troy Johnston hit a leadoff solo shot, and Ricky Aracena nearly followed with an inside-the-park homer but was thrown out at home plate.

Helman and Cabbage led an early Kernels rally during the top of the third. Helman leveled the contest by scoring via wild pitch. Later in the frame, Cabbage cleared the bases on a two-run single coupled with an error. Three total runs came home and gave Cedar Rapids its first lead at 4-1.

Beloit answered in the fourth and fifth innings while building a 7-4 edge. Dustin Skelton scored when Nic Ready was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Zack Kone singled to drive in a pair of runs and tie the game, and Ready plated the go-ahead run after a wild pitch. Griffin Conine’s two-run, fifth-inning round-tripper padded the advantage.

Within the sixth, Helman started the next Cedar Rapids comeback. Alex Isola’s two-out walk kept the inning alive, and Helman homered to left-center field to close the gap to 7-6.

Cabbage’s clout pushed the Kernels to an 8-7 lead in the seventh inning. Gabe Snyder was hit by a pitch to open the frame before Cabbage lined a go-ahead blast to right-center field.

Isola increased the lead to 10-7 with his own two-run home run during the ninth. With two outs and Snyder at third base, Isola cleared the fence in left field.

Ryan Shreve (1-1) recorded 2.1 scoreless and hitless innings of relief in a winning effort that also featured a game-high-tying five strikeouts. Melvi Acosta set down all five batters faced to close the contest and pick up his team-high third save.

Josh Simpson (0-1) gave up four runs in 3.1 innings pitched for his first blown save and first loss of the season. The preceding reliever, Antonio Velez, was credited with a hold.

This six-game series continues Friday at 6:35 p.m. at Pohlman Field. The probable pitchers for the tilt are Kernels right-hander Andrew Cabezas (2-1, 2.42) and Snappers right-hander Zach McCambley (1-2, 3.48).

Cedar Rapids will host its next homestand from June 15 through June 27. 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.