Kernels' win streak ends at 5 in sloppy loss to Dayton

CEDAR RAPIDS - If they break even, they break the bank.

"I said awhile back that if we can get our overall effort to .500, I believe we can be in the playoffs," Cedar Rapids Kernels skipper Brent Del Chiaro said after his club saw its five-game win streak stopped with a sloppily played 10-6 loss to Dayton before 1,694 sweaty fans at the sauna formerly known as Veterans Memorial Stadium. "I really do believe that. That would mean that we're playing some good baseball."

At least they're playing some better baseball. The Kernels (43-50 overall) dropped back below break even (11-12) in the Midwest League's second half by making five errors and having their pitchers give up 10 hits, 11 walks and three hit batters.

It's just short of amazing Dayton didn't double its run total. The Dragons scored double digits and left 15 more guys on base.

"I just thought our pitchers gave in to the enrivronment today," Del Chiaro said of the oppressive weather. "You can't go out there and say it's too hot. You have to be mentally tough enough to overcome that.

"Offensively I thought we did a nice job of being in a ballgame we really had no business being in. You walk 11 guys and make five errors ... I would say the only bright spot was that we probably burned their closer for tomorrow."

The Kernels scored twice in the ninth against Drew Hayes on a two-run Rolando Gomez double. Shortstop Gomez had three hits, including a three-run home run, to continue a July surge that has seen him inch his batting average toward .300.

He's at .294 going into today's noon series finale. That's not even mentioning his improved defense and continued up-the-middle chemistry with second baseman Jean Almanzar.

"I feel very good, really solid," said Gomez. "It's just how you prepare yourself before the game. With batting practice and all that. The work you put in is what you get out of it."

Now if only the Kernels can get something out of this season. They are fifth in the Western Division but only two games behind Kane County and Beloit for second place and a second-half playoff berth.

Today ends a nine-game homestand in which they are 5-3 right now. Then comes a week-and-a half, nine-game road trip to Fort Wayne, Lake County and Kane County.

"Starting to (come together)," Del Chiaro said. "Today was a little hiccup. But I think they're believing in the type of effort they have to give. The effort level, the concentration, the focus, the standard that is expected."

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