Lujan Earns League-High 15th Save in 1-0 Shutout

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Hector Lujan became the Midwest League's outright leader in saves Saturday by closing the Cedar Rapids Kernels' 1-0, two-hit shutout against the Beloit Snappers in front of 3,839 fans at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Lujan's 15th save capped a combined shutout from Charlie Barnes, Logan Lombana, and Eduardo Del Rosario. Travis Blankenhorn provided the game's only offense on a fourth-inning solo shot.
Lujan faced the minimum in a scoreless ninth inning for Cedar Rapids (27-28, 66-59). He induced a leadoff groundout from Josh Vidales before Luke Persico drew a walk. Kyle Nowlin followed by bouncing into a game-ending double play. Lujan broke a tie with former Kane County Cougar Tommy Eveld for the Midwest League lead in saves, and his 15 saves are the most by a Kernel since Johnny Hellweg recorded 16 saves in 2010.

Barnes, Lombana, and Del Rosario also posted scoreless work against Beloit (27-27, 59-64). Barnes (2-0) earned the victory and posted a team-high four strikeouts over five shutout frames. Lombana picked off Eric Mariñez at first base in the seventh to end a two-inning outing and secure his third hold. Del Rosario picked up his first hold with a perfect eighth inning.
Blankenhorn's timely home run in the fourth pushed the Kernels to their winning margin of 1-0. Blankenhorn hit a leadoff solo shot on a line drive down the right-field line. The decisive blast was Blankenhorn's ninth round-tripper of the season and his first since the Kernels' 16-3 victory June 18 against the Clinton LumberKings that guaranteed a first-half playoff berth.
Seth Martinez (4-8) took the loss despite a quality start for the Snappers. He allowed just one run and three hits over a personal-best seven innings pitched. Martinez also registered a game-high six strikeouts.
Cedar Rapids and Beloit continue their four-game series Sunday at 2:05 p.m. with Kernels right-hander Tyler Beardsley (3-7, 5.48) scheduled to face Snappers left-hander Kyle Twomey (2-3, 3.93). Follow the action with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Western Fraternal Life Kids Eat Free Sunday offers a coupon for all kids aged 12 and under to receive a free hot dog, popcorn, and Capri Sun. After the game, fans can run the bases, play catch in the outfield, and get autographs from the Kernels on the field thanks to Prairie Farms and 104.5 KDAT. There will also be a special postgame FOX Fall Preview to promote "Ghosted", "The Orville", and "The Gifted" along with a helicopter tennis ball drop with fans to win prizes based on their seat locations. Plus, the final Coors Light Bike to the Ballpark event features the grand-prize giveaway of a Coors Light Cruiser Bicycle.
Fans can purchase 2017 Kernels regular season and playoff tickets 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.