Nichols, Kehrer lifts Kernels to win over Burlington

CEDAR RAPIDS - To heck with the high five, the fist bump or all that other macho baseball stuff.

When Tyler Kehrer reached the dugout after inducing an eighth inning-ending double play with the bases loaded last night, the starting pitcher he relieved was right there with a giant hug for him.

You couldn't blame Heath Nichols for the show of emotion. Kehrer kept the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the lead and preserved what turned out to be a 6-2 victory over Burlington before 4,401 Fourth of July fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

“That was the win right there,” Nichols said. “It doesn't matter how many innings the guy before you throws, you need to count on your bullpen. That goes to him.”

Don't be too modest, Heath. You played a big part in this victory.

Nichols (5-5) has turned around his 2011 season after a rough start, and Kehrer has turned around his career after a rough 2010 season. Nichols has won his last three decisions, following up a complete game in his previous start with 7 1/3 strong innings last night. His earned run average was still a shade below 6.00 as of mid-May but is dropping like a barbell.

“It's a confidence thing,” Nichols said. “It's like I told you earlier in the year, I didn't know if I was supposed to be here. Now I'm trusting my stuff. Let them make contact a little more.”

“For one, he's a lot more efficient,” said Kernels pitching coach Trevor Wilson. “The key to taking your (start) deep into a ballgame is throwing strikes, letting your defense work. He's more efficient and his damage control has been outstanding the last few games. He's building. He's starting to find his rhythm now.”

Kehrer, meanwhile, has found a home in the bullpen after struggling last season as a member of the Kernels starting rotation. The big lefty has limited opponents to a batting average under .150, notching his second save by pitching out of two jams.

Burlington (50-31, 5-6) also loaded the bases in the ninth, but Kehrer got Nino Leyja to hit into a 5-3 double play to end it. The Kernels are 36-45 overall, 4-7 in the Midwest League's second half.

"Last year, I had a rough year overall. Mechanically and mentally,” said Kehrer. “I just didn't have the best year. But this year, I feel a lot better. I feel healthy. I like being in the bullpen, too. So it's good.”

Cedar Rapids played with the lead the entire game, scoring twice in the first inning on a two-run

Justin Bass single.