Fort Wayne topples Kernels, 11-5

Casey Haerther drove in two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to rally the Kernels and give them a 5-4 lead over the Fort Wayne Tincaps.

But then the roof fell in on the Kernels bullpen, as they gave up seven runs in the top of the ninth inning to give Fort Wayne an 11-5 win over the Kernels on Thursday night.

The Kernels scored three runs in the bottom of the first as Jean Segura singled and scored on Matt Long's double; Long scored on an RBI single by Richard Cates; and Cates scored on an RBI double by Justin Bass.

Fort Wayne cut the lead to 3-1 and tied the game at 3-3 in the fifth due in part to some Kernel errors. The Kernels committed four errors in the game, leading to three unearned Tincap runs. Fort Wayne took the lead, 4-3 on an RBI single by Edinson Rincon. The Kernels took the lead in the seventh as Long singled and Jeremy Cruz walked to set the stage for Casey Haerther double.

The Kernels were 45-0 when leading after eight innings and looked to make it 46-0 as reliever Johnny Hellweg came on for his eleventh save in as many chances. But Hellweg (0-2) struggled with his control, giving up six runs on just two hits and four walks over a third of an inning as Fort Wayne sent 13 men to the plate in a seven run inning.

Kernels starter Ariel Pena allowed three runs (one earned) on five hits, walked five and struck out seven over 5 IP in a no-decision effort. Fort Wayne reliever Miles Mikolas (5-2) picked up the win, working two innings and allowing one hit and striking out one.

The rubber match between the Kernels and Tincaps is Friday night at 6:35 pm on Pat McGrath Used Car Night as three fans will win a used car from Pat McGrath Chevyland. It's also Rock 108 Progressive Beer Night when 16 oz. draft beer starts at $1 when the gates open at 5:30 pm and goes up a dollar each hour until reaching full price.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Friday. The current home stand continues through Monday, July 19th.