Lewis, Rodriguez Drive Kernels to 5-4 Win
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - A three-run home run from Royce Lewis and a two-run, inside-the-park homer by Ben Rodriguez highlighted a 5-4 Cedar Rapids Kernels triumph Thursday against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Cedar Rapids (1-0, 33-37) claimed a victory in its second-half
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - A three-run home run from
Wisconsin (0-1, 31-39) opened the scoring in the second inning. After a two-out walk from
Lewis lifted the Kernels in front, 3-2, during the third.
In the top of the fifth inning, Wisconsin tied the contest at 3-3.
The Timber Rattlers regained the lead, 4-3, within the sixth. Clark registered a leadoff single, stole second base, and moved up during a groundout from Corey. Feliciano singled for his third hit and third run batted in.
Rodriguez's inside-the-park home run in the home half of the sixth put Cedar Rapids ahead, 5-4. He hit a fly ball that landed on the right-field warning track while Lutz crashed into the wall trying to make the catch. Rodriguez hustled home and tallied the deciding run on the Kernels' first inside-the-park homer since
Game two of this four-game series is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Friday. The probable pitchers are Kernels right-hander
The first 1,000 fans through the gates Friday will receive a free Harry Potter wand and keychain as part of Harry Potter Night. Cedar Rapids and Wisconsin will wear special Gryffindor and Slytherin jerseys, respectively. The jerseys, which are sponsored by Alliant Energy, will be auctioned off during the contest to support HACAP's Operation Backpack. Friday is also Kernels Mug Club Night presented by Stadium Bar & Grill, Shuey's Restaurant & Lounge, Red's Public House, Mulligan's Pub, and Z102.9.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Cedar Rapids home games 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.
The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.