Peoria topples Kernels

PEORIA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels continued to struggle with their offense here Mondaynight, only managing four hits in an 8-2 loss to the Peoria Chiefs in a Midwest League game before 2,044 fans at O'Brien Field.

The Kernels, (17-26 second half) got a homer and a single from Travis Witherspoon, a double from Wes Hatton and a single from Jeremy Cruz.

Meanwhile the Chiefs (18-25 second half) pounded out 11 hits against three Cedar Rapids pitchers.

Kernels starter Brian Diemer (8-10) took the loss. He allowed seven earned runs in five innings.

Arismendy Alcantara had three hits and two RBIs for Peoria. Taiwan Easterling had two hits, including a double. Richard Jones blasted his 20th homer of the season in the fifth inning.

The teams close out the four-game series Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Kernels then head on to Clinton to open a 3-game set Wednesday.