Max Murphy’s big late hit lifts Cedar Rapids Kernels past Burlington

BURLINGTON - Max Murphy tripled with two outs and the bases loaded in the seventh inning to help rally the Cedar Rapids Kernels past Burlington, 6-3, in Midwest League baseball Wednesday night at Community Field.

The Kernels (9-5) claimed the rubber game of the three-game series. They play Thursday night at Clinton.

Sean Miller was hit by a pitch, Christian Cavaness walked and Rafael Valera reached on an infield single with one out in the seventh against losing relief pitcher Cody Pope. LaMonte Wade popped out to shortstop for the second out, but Murphy laced a 1-2 pitch to center field to clear the bases and put Cedar Rapids on top, 5-3.

Wade homered in the ninth for the final margin. Miller and Valera finished the game with two hits apiece.

Cedar Rapids trailed after five innings, 3-1. Zack Tillery (1-0) picked up the win in relief, with John Curtiss striking out five in two innings for his first save.

Before the game, the Kernels and parent Minnesota Twins announced Tillery was activated from the disabled list, with pitcher Miles Nordgren being assigned to extended spring training.

Nordgren was 1-0 with a 5.14 earned run average in two appearances, one start.