Kernels Tally Seven-Run Seventh in 9-3 Win

DAVENPORT, Iowa – The Cedar Rapids Kernels scored nine late runs Sunday featuring a seven-run seventh inning during a 9-3 triumph over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park. Cedar Rapids (28-26) registered its best single-inning outburst of the season within its second win this week against Quad Cities (35-17).

Jon Olsen opened Sunday’s series finale with his second consecutive shutout start. Olsen prevented the River Bandits from scoring through five innings pitched. He has not allowed a run in his last 14 innings overall for the team’s best scoreless streak this year.

Noah Murdock matched Olsen in the first three frames. Within his second no-hit start in as many appearances this series, he faced one batter over the minimum while letting just one baserunner get into scoring position.

Both bullpens kept the dueling shutouts intact until Cedar Rapids jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the seventh. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. scored via wild pitch, and Daniel Ozoria extended the advantage on an RBI single. Edouard Julien followed with a three-run home run, and Keirsey later hit a two-run triple to cap the offense’s seven-run, seven-hit seventh inning.

Derek Molina (5-1) earned his team-high fifth victory following two shutout innings. Erik Manoah Jr. added a scoreless eighth inning out of the bullpen. Melvi Acosta allowed three runs in the ninth before Zach Featherstone came in and escaped an inherited bases-loaded jam and secured the 9-3 Kernels win.

The loss went to Christian Cosby (1-1). After starting with three scoreless innings in relief behind Murdock, he was charged with the first three Kernels runs in the seventh-inning rally.

With the victory, Cedar Rapids is now responsible for three of the five Quad Cities home losses this season. Also from Sunday’s tilt, Julien received a career-high-tying three walks and now tops all Minor League Baseball players with 57 bases on balls in 2021. He saw 36 total pitches over five plate appearances.

The Kernels return to action Tuesday with the opener of a six-game home series versus the Peoria Chiefs at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., and fans that are unable to attend the contest can follow the game with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz on www.kernels.com and MiLB.TV.

Highlighted promotions for the upcoming homestand include Thursday’s Kernels Baseball Card Set giveaway courtesy of Perfect Game, Friday’s Especially for You Pink Jersey Night, postgame fireworks Saturday, and so much more.

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.