Javier Helps Kernels Win Again

BELOIT, Wis. – Wander Javier went 2-of-5 Saturday featuring a two-run home run within a 5-1 Cedar Rapids Kernels victory versus the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field. Javier owns an eight-game hit streak, and the Kernels (17-18) secured a series win over the Snappers (16-19) thanks to a season-best fourth consecutive triumph.

Four one-out singles in the fourth inning allowed Cedar Rapids to claim a 2-0 advantage. Javier’s hit coupled with an error put him at second base, and he scored on the single by Trey Cabbage. After Alex Isola’s single, Michael Helman drove in Cabbage with a base hit of his own.

Javier doubled the lead to 4-0 Kernels within the fifth. Seth Gray extended the frame on a two-out single, and Javier crushed a two-run homer to center field. His multi-hit performance was the latest outing in the longest hit streak by any Cedar Rapids batter this year.

During the bottom of the sixth, Beloit broke up the shutout. Zack Kone’s RBI groundout plated Griffin Conine and trimmed the difference to 4-1.

Isola got that run back in the seventh and solidified a 5-1 edge for Cedar Rapids. With two outs and two runners on base, Isola singled to bring in Spencer Steer.

Jordan Gore (3-2) received credit for the victory Saturday, and Melvi Acosta recorded his team-high fourth save. Gore yielded just one run over two innings pitched. Acosta stranded two inherited runners and retired four batters in a perfect appearance.

Beloit’s Bryan Hoeing (2-3) conceded four runs and nine hits over six innings and took the loss. The Snappers enter their homestand finale with the Kernels ahead in the series, 4-1. Cedar Rapids is guaranteed its first road series win of 2021.

This 12-game road swing ends Sunday with the finale of a six-game series against the Beloit Snappers. First pitch at Pohlman Field will be at 2:05 p.m., and Kernels right-hander Luis Rijo (0-0, -.--) will make his 2021 debut against Snappers right-hander Kyle Nicolas (2-1, 5.40).

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.