Schulfer Secures 100th Kernels Strikeout

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Austin Schulfer surpassed the 100-strikeout threshold Sunday afternoon at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium, but the Clinton LumberKings earned a 5-0 shutout win against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Clinton (22-13, 55-49) evened this three-game series, 1-1, with Cedar Rapids (20-15, 59-46).
Schulfer (6-5), who was charged for the loss Sunday, became the first pitcher with at least 100 strikeouts for the Kernels in a single season since Felix Jorge's 114 strikeouts in 2015. Schulfer reached the century mark by fanning Connor Scott during the second inning. He struck out six batters over six innings and now sits at 104 strikeouts overall. Schulfer allowed five runs including four earned runs within the losing decision.

The LumberKings quickly built a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Christopher Torres hit a leadoff double before Scott drew a walk. Peyton Burdick came up next and loaded the bases via catcher's interference. A wild pitch to J.D. Osborne allowed Torres to score. Will Banfield's sacrifice fly drove in Scott, and Evan Edwards singled to bring in Burdick.
Clinton added runs within the fourth and sixth innings for a 5-0 advantage. Edwards led off the fourth with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly by Thomas Jones. In the sixth, Jones crushed a solo home run to left field.
Remey Reed (2-0) and Elkin Alcala combined for the seven-hit shutout. Reed recorded a career-high 7.2 scoreless innings and led all pitchers Sunday with eight strikeouts. Alcala left a pair of inherited runners stranded in the eighth and escaped his own bases-loaded jam during the ninth to complete the contest.
Monday's series finale at 12:05 p.m. is the final contest in this six-game Kernels homestand. Cedar Rapids right-hander Tyler Palm (2-6, 3.92) will face Clinton right-hander Jake Walters (2-3, 2.82), and fans can access Monday's broadcast coverage online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
Regular hot dogs are just $1.50 apiece on Mark Down Monday, and ice cream sandwiches, small popcorn, and chips are only $1.00 each. The Noon Game Combo Special will be available for $8.50 and consists of a regular sandwich, a choice of popcorn or chips, and a choice of a 16 oz. regular draft beer or a 20 oz. bottled soda or water.
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.