Kernels play nearly the exact same game twice to sweep doubleheader

The Kernels swept a doubleheader from Clinton last night. That's now 3 in a row and 6 of our last 7 ballgames. I feel this team is starting to hit their stride. Our starting pitchers are beginning to get deeper into games, and this offense seems to always come up with the key hit.

Last night, we played two 7-inning ballgames. We won 3-0 and 3-1. The games were eerily similar. We received five solid innings from the starting pitcher, we jumped out to a 3-0 lead, and the bullpen pitched very well in holding off late inning rallies by the LumberKings.

Also, the Kernels were out hit in both games by the LumberKings.

Game 1:

• Kernels starter Daniel Tillman: 5 IP, 0 runs, 2 hits, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks
• Kernels scored twice in the 2nd inning on a home run by Carlos Ramirez. Then, the Kernels added a single run in the 5th inning to lead 3-0.
• Kernels reliever Donn Roach pitched the team to a 2-inning save. Roach allowed one run in the 7th inning, making the score 3-1. The LumberKings had the tying run at 1st base and the winning run at the plate when Roach retired the final hitter.

Game 2:

• Kernels starter Justin La Tempa: 5 IP, 0 runs, 4 hits, 6 strikeouts, 2 walks
• Kernels scored 3 times in the 5th inning to take a 3-0 lead.
• Kernels closer Kevin Johnson picked up his 2nd save. The LumberKings brought the potential winning run to the plate in the 7th inning as the Kernels eventually held on to the 3-0 lead.

On a side note: Donn Roach has pitched four times this season for the Kernels. Roach has 3 wins and 1 save!

By: Morgan Hawk, Kernels radio broadcaster