Kernels open 2nd half with loss

GENEVA, Ill. - The second half of the Midwest League season began Thursday night for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. It looked suspicious like the first half.

That's not a good thing.

Kane County scored seven runs in the third inning and blasted Cedar Rapids, 7-0, in a game shortened to five innings because of rain. The teams play the second of their four-game series Friday night.

Starting pitcher Aaron Slegers (5-4) retired the first eight Cougars hitters but inexlicably allowed hits to the next eight. The barrage included a two-run inside-the-park home run by Jacob Hanneman.

The Kernels were limited to three singles by Kane County starter Daury Torrez. Chicago Cubs 2014 first-round draft pick Kyle Schwarber made his KC debut and went 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI.