Kernels Shut Out Lugnuts, 6-0

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Cedar Rapids Kernels posted a 6-0 three-hit shutout Sunday against the Lansing Lugnuts at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Cedar Rapids (26-22) finished its 12-game homestand with a 9-3 mark including a 4-2 series victory over Lansing (22-26).

Trey Cabbage and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. helped the Kernels build a big lead in the opening stanza. Cabbage’s bases-loaded single drove in Spencer Steer and Seth Gray. Later in the frame, Keirsey hit an inside-the-park home run for his first professional round-tripper. Wander Javier, Max Smith, and Keirsey scored on the play to lift Cedar Rapids to a 5-0 advantage.

Jair Camargo secured a 6-0 Kernels edge during the bottom of the third. He sent a solo shot over the left-field wall on the inning’s first pitch. It was Camargo’s ninth blast this season. Cedar Rapids leads all High-A Central teams with 65 homers.

Kody Funderburk, Derek Molina (4-1), Ryan Shreve, Jonathan Cheshire, and Melvi Acosta combined for the three-hitter Sunday. Despite a career-high six walks allowed, Funderburk grinded through four innings. Molina started the bullpen’s afternoon with two shutout innings and earned the victory.

Bryce Nightengale (2-1) ended up with the loss following a short start. He left after just seven pitches and was charged with a hit batsman and a walk. Both bequeathed runners scored within the first inning.

Up next, the Kernels head to Davenport, Iowa to play the Quad Cities River Bandits in a six-game series at Modern Woodmen Park. First pitch of Tuesday’s series opener is slated for 6:30 p.m., and Kernels coverage with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will be available at www.kernels.com.

Cedar Rapids will host its next homestand Tuesday, July 6 through Sunday, July 11. 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.