Kernels Kick Off 2018 with 2-0 Shutout

The Cedar Rapids Kernels won their season opener for the eighth consecutive year, picking up a 2-0 victory Thursday against the Quad Cities River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park. Shane Carrier produced both of Cedar Rapids' runs with a sacrifice fly and a home run, and Jared Finkel won the combined shutout.
Carrier pushed Cedar Rapids (1-0) toward its wire-to-wire triumph by driving in runs during the first and fourth innings. Following a pair of walks and a force out to start the game, a sacrifice fly allowed Akil Baddoo to come home for the Kernels' first tally. In the fourth, Carrier hit a leadoff home run and extended the lead to 2-0.

Finkel (1-0) pitched three shutout innings against the River Bandits (0-1) for the victory in his Kernels debut. Finkel worked around three hits to earn the win. He also coaxed a pair of double plays and completed a 3-6-1 twin killing in the bottom of the eighth.
Bryan Sammons, Jovani Moran, and Ryan Mason also helped Cedar Rapids in the 2-0 shutout. Sammons recorded a game-high six strikeouts in a four-inning start. Moran yielded three walks but also picked up three strikeouts during a scoreless home half of the fifth. Following Finkel's scoreless outing, Mason tossed a shutout frame to close the contest and secure his first save of the young season.
The losing pitcher for Quad Cities was Patrick Sandoval (0-1). Sandoval was tagged for two runs over four innings pitched. Relievers Adam Bleday, Cesar Rosado, and Robert Corniel combined for scoreless work out of the bullpen.
Game two of the 2018 season will be played at 6:35 p.m. Friday at Modern Woodmen Park. Cedar Rapids right-hander Edwar Colina (0-0, -.--) is expected to make his Kernels debut against River Bandits right-hander Tyler Ivey (0-0, -.--). Listen to the broadcast on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com and www.kernels.com.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids home games, including Saturday's home opener at 5:05 p.m., 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.