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Kernels can't dig out of early hole, fall 11-3

Mike Condon

Jul. 8, 2011 10:10 pm

CLINTON - Clinton scored six runs in the first inning Friday night and went on to an 11-3 Midwest League win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Alliant Energy Field.

Ironically, Cedar Rapids starter Brian Diemer (7-6), after a rocky first that saw him give up six runs on four hits, was brilliant the rest way. He ended up pitching seven innings, retiring 19 of the last 20 batters he faced, including 17 in a row.

The Kernels (6-9 second half) scored three times in the sixth with Justin Bass' two-run single the key hit in the inning.

Clinton added five more runs in the bottom of the eighth to put the game away.

The Kernels return home Saturdayto host Peoria at 6:35 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium.