Kernels' win streak stopped at 11

BELOIT, Wis. - An old nemesis ended the Cedar Rapids Kernels' impressive 11-game win streak Tuesday night.

The Beloit Snappers jumped to an early 5-1 lead and held on for a 5-4 win at Pohlman Field, giving Cedar Rapids its first loss of the Midwest League's second half. Beloit improved to 10-2 in the half, beating the Kernels for the fifth consecutive time.

Beloit is 53-29 overall, Cedar Rapids 51-29.

Starting pitcher Jose Berrios (5-4) took the loss for Cedar Rapids, though two of the five runs charged to him were unearned, thanks for a first-inning fielding error on shortstop Niko Goodrum and run-scoring passed ball from catcher Michael Quesada in the fifth. Relievers Madison Boer and Steve Gruver combined for 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball to give the Kernels a chance to rally.

Travis Harrison hit his 14th home run of the season in the sixth to bring Cedar Rapids within 5-4, but the Kernels could not get the tying run. Newcomer Jonathan Murphy (who had three hits) was stranded at third base in the seventh.

The teams conclude their brief two-game series Wednesday.