Kernels open season with double-header split at Beloit

BELOIT, Wis. — Miguel Mercedes doubled into the left-center gap with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to score the winning run and give the Beloit Snappers a 3-2 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels and a split of their Midwest League season-opening double-header Friday night at Pohlman Field.

Kyle Nowlin singled with one out against losing relief pitcher Brady Anderson. A two-run double from Lewin Diaz in the fourth had tied the game for the Kernels.

Eduardo Del Rosario threw six shutout innings to lift Cedar Rapids to a 4-0 win in Game 1. Del Rosario allowed just three hits and struck out seven.

Colton Davis finished the shutout. Jaylin Davis and Mitchell Kranson had RBI doubles, giving Tommy Watkins a win in his professional managing debut.

The teams play again Saturday afternoon at 5:05 in the home opener for the Kernels at Veterans Memorial Stadium.