PEORIA, ILL. - Gilberto Celestino's go-ahead double in the 11th inning lifted the Cedar Rapids Kernels to a 3-2 victory Friday against the Peoria Chiefs at Dozer Park. Cedar Rapids (1-1, 40-32) improved to 4-0 in extra-inning games while evening this four-game series at Peoria (1-1, 31-40).Luis Rijo highlighted the
PEORIA, ILL. - Gilberto Celestino's go-ahead double in the 11th inning lifted the Cedar Rapids Kernels to a 3-2 victory Friday against the Peoria Chiefs at Dozer Park. Cedar Rapids (1-1, 40-32) improved to 4-0 in extra-inning games while evening this four-game series at Peoria (1-1, 31-40).
Luis Rijo highlighted the first half of Friday's contest. Rijo registered his third consecutive shutout start to secure a 15-inning scoreless streak. He faced one batter over the minimum and posted a game-high five strikeouts while allowing just one hit over five innings pitched.
The Kernels led for most of the game after scoring twice in the third inning. Trevor Casanova doubled to drive in Jacob Pearson, and Estamy Urena scored during a double play from Celestino to stretch the lead to 2-0 Cedar Rapids.
Back-to-back blasts within the ninth inning boosted Peoria into a 2-2 tie. Ivan Herrera and Juan Yepez each hit one-out solo home runs to left field and kept the Chiefs alive.
Celestino was the hero in the 11th and final frame. Pinch-runner Daniel Ozoria started the inning at second base and stayed in scoring position until Celestino doubled and put Cedar Rapids in front, 3-2. Peoria had the potential game-tying and go-ahead runs aboard during its half of the inning but failed to score.
Alex Schick (2-1) tossed two scoreless and hitless innings for his second extra-inning win this season. Edgar Escobar (1-1) gave up an unearned run within a losing decision. Tanner Howell earned his first hold after a shutout appearance, and Moises Gomez was charged for his first blown save of the year.
The four-game series between the Kernels and the Chiefs will resume at 6:35 p.m. Saturday. Cedar Rapids right-hander Josh Winder (5-1, 2.50) and Peoria right-hander Franyel Casadilla (2-1, 3.66) are the probable pitchers, and Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will call the action on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com and www.kernels.com.
Cedar Rapids will host its next homestand Tuesday, June 25 through Monday, July 1. 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.
The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
