Kernels drubbed in home finale

CEDAR RAPIDS - Kane County used a nine-run sixth inning to power past Cedar Rapids, 9-1, Friday night to spoil the Kernels' home finale.

The Kernels finished the season 35-35 on their home diamond.

The Cougars sent 14 men to the plate and scored nine runs in the sixth inning. Yowill Espinal's RBI-single scored two runs, giving Kane County a 2-1 lead. Geulin Beltre cleared the bases with a three-RBI double to stretch the lead to 5-1.

Brian Fletcher's RBI-single made the score 6-1, and Juan Graterol's RBI-single pushed the lead to 7-1. Espinal then drove home two more to cap the nine-run outburst. Jairo Diaz (0-3) started for the Kernels and went 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits while striking out two and walking four.

The Kernels end the season with three games at Burlington Saturday through Monday.