Kernels offense continues struggles in loss to QC

DAVENPORT - The Cedar Rapids Kernels offense struggled once again, getting shutout Wedesday night, 4-0, by the Quad Cities River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park.

Cedar Rapids (12-8) got a 1-0, 11-inning win Tuesday at MWP but have scored just five runs total in its last five games. The teams play the final of their three-game series Thursday night at 7.

Mat Batts (2-1) was the tough-luck losing pitcher for the Kernels. He had a shutout thru five innings but fell vicim in the sixth to a lost in the dusk fly ball to right for a double and his own ensuing throwing error over first base after fielding a sacrifice bunt.

Another sac bunt and broken-bat hit over a drawn-in infield scored a second run in the inning. Batts was knocked out in the seventh, allowing another pair of runs.

Cedar Rapids hitters were limited to seven hits, three by third baseman T.J. White. The Kernels had at least one baserunner every inning but could never put anything togethe.

Starter Daniel Mengden three five shutout innings, with Austin Chrismon going the rest of the way

The Kernels have said John Curtiss will be their starting pitcher Thursday might, which means he will come off the disabled list. Catcher J.J. Fernandez, also suffering from a concussion like Curtiss, has been cathching bullpens of relief pitchers and appears to be close to returning to the active roster as well.

Expect the parent Minnesota Twins to make a pair of moves tomorrow.