Auer gets second chance, comes through for Kernels

One agonizingly close check swing gave the Cedar Rapids Kernels the chance they needed to end a four-game losing streak and beat South Bend for the first time in five attempts.

That near swing, with one out, two strikes and the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, gave Kernels center fielder Tyson Auer another opportunity to erase a 1-0 deficit.

“I didn't think I went, and the ump didn't think I went,” said Auer, whose single two pitches later knocked in the only two runs the Kernels would need in a 2-1 win at Memorial Stadium. “That was strike three. I'm glad I got another chance.”

The no-swing call was a bit different from what the Kernels (57-41, 17-11 second half) have been experiencing during their recent slump - this one went in their favor.

“That was huge,” said Kernels Manager Bill Mosiello. “That was a big hit, a great hit by him. It (the checked swing) was a tough call, but we've been on the wrong end of some of those lately. I'm not going to feel sorry for anyone.”

Auer's hit was enough for the Kernels thanks to one of starting pitcher Manuel Flores' best games of 2009. Flores (7-4) scattered six hits over eight innings, allowing just a solo home run to South Bend third basemen Victor Estevez in the third.

He struck out two and walked none, earning praise from both manager - “Flores pitched outstanding,” Mosiello said - and teammate alike.

“It keeps us in the game when our offense is struggling,” Auer said of the strong pitching performance. “Flo did a great job out there today.”

The Kernels take on South Bend (40-56, 13-15) in the rubber match of their series tonight at 6:35, but more than just a series win is on the line for fans.

Over $1 million dollars can be earned as a part of this year's second Million Dollar Monday.

If the Kernels throw a perfect game - pitcher Tyler Chatwood is scheduled to take the mound - the team will give away $1 million to a randomly selected fan. If they don't, as soon as the perfect game is broken up (which happened on the third batter of the game last time), the price of hot dogs, soda and beer drops to $1 for the remainder of the game.

For this second go-round of the promotion, General Manager Jack Roeder said the team has also added a $10,000-per-inning prize if certain criteria - ranging from the team scoring seven runs in the seventh inning to hitting for the cycle in an inning - are met.