Varland’s Streak Continues in 10-1 Blowout

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Louie Varland was remarkably efficient over a career-high seven innings pitched while the Cedar Rapids Kernels provided plenty of run support in a 10-1 win Wednesday against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The right-hander has won each of his last four starts for the Kernels (51-41).

Varland (4-0) needed just 76 pitches to get through seven full frames including only 24 pitches to retire the first nine batters in order. He was tagged for one lone run and six hits within his longest professional appearance. Varland also recorded six strikeouts including the 1,000th strikeout by Kernels pitchers this season when he fanned Joe Gray Jr. in the sixth.

The Kernels and the Timber Rattlers (43-48) both got on the scoreboard with solo shots. Michael Helman’s home run within the second inning pushed Cedar Rapids to a 1-0 lead. Joey Wiemer came through for Wisconsin with a leadoff clout in the fourth to tie the contest at 1-1.

Beginning in the bottom of the fourth, Cedar Rapids tallied nine unanswered runs to break the game open. Jeferson Morales put the Kernels back in front, 5-1, by crushing his first professional grand slam. Cedar Rapids currently tops all High-A Central teams with six bases-loaded blasts.

Matt Wallner stretched the lead to 8-1 Kernels during the fifth inning. He hit a two-run double that plated Anthony Prato and Edouard Julien. Wallner later scored a run of his own on Seth Gray’s sacrifice fly.

Gray capped the scoring within the home half of the seventh. His bases-loaded double drove in Julien and Wallner to set the final score at 10-1 Cedar Rapids.

Victor Castañeda (3-7) was the losing pitcher Wednesday evening. He allowed a career-high eight runs over 4.1 innings pitched.

This six-game Kernels homestand continues Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. with Cedar Rapids left-hander Tyler Watson (2-3, 3.33) slated to pitch against Wisconsin southpaw Brandon Knarr (0-0, -.--). Broadcast coverage with Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will be available on www.kernels.com and MiLB.TV.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the first 500 fans through the gates will get a free Iowa koozie courtesy of the Linn County I-Club. Four 50-inch big screen televisions will be given away on the latest Big Screen Thursday presented by First Federal Credit Union and 104.5 KDAT.

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.