C.R. Kernels beat Quad Cities in 14 innings, remain alive for 1st-half playoff berth

DAVENPORT — The Cedar Rapids Kernels are hanging on in their fight for a Midwest League first-half playoff spot, but just barely.

Luis Arraez doubled home Brad Hartong from first base with two outs in the top of the 14th inning to give the Kernels a 2-1 win Friday night over Quad Cities at Modern Woodmen Park.

Cedar Rapids (36-31) is 1 1/2 games behind co-leaders Peoria and Clinton in the MWL's Western Division with two games left to play. The top two teams in the division clinch a postseason berth.

Clinton split a double-header Friday night at Kane County, Peoria won at home against Burlington.

A Jermaine Palacios RBI single gave the Kernels a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Quad Cities (29-38) tied it with a run in the third, and that's how the game remained until the 14th.

Hartong was hit by a pitch by losing relief pitcher Adam Whitt with two outs. Arraez followed with his winning hit to left field.

Anthony McIver pitched a perfect bottom of the 14th for his first save. Michael Theofanopoulos (3-0) got the win via three scoreless innings.

Five Cedar Rapids pitchers limited Quad Cities to five hits. The teams play again Saturday night.