Kernels turn page on July, but August doesn't start any better

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Kernels turned the page on July Wednesday night. As quickly as they could.

They were 9-19 in the month to fall out of second-half playoff contention and to the worst overall record in the 16-team Midwest League. August didn't begin any better, with Clinton holding on for a 9-8 win at Memorial Stadium.

“It is what it is,” Kernels Manager Jamie Burke said. “July was just bad all around. I really felt like the kids kept working, trying to get better. I felt like we had a lot of bad luck. Things didn't go our way.”

The Kernels are 43-65 overall and 11-27 in the second half. They've got 32 games remaining to avoid becoming the worst team record-wise in the 20-year marriage between Cedar Rapids and the Los Angeles Angels.

The 2000 Kernels went 53-86.

“I talked to the guys, and basically we're just happy the month of July is over,” said Burke. “We've set some goals for August. Let's win some games, and whatever happens, happens. It'll take a miracle for anything (playoff wise) to happen, so basically let's go get better and finish strong.”

Burke said his club was hurt by the midseason promotion of third baseman Kaleb Cowart. He feels there is talent around comparable to other teams in the league, but things just haven't come together.

Cedar Rapids fell behind after an inning and a half, 4-0, and trailed going to the bottom of the ninth, 9-3, before making things very interesting with five runs. This club has competed hard all season.

Zach Borenstein had a single, double and three-run triple for the Kernels, who host Clinton again Thursday night at 6:35.

“I think these guys have the capabilities of being good ballplayers,” Burke said. “I think this league can test some guys with the long season. It sure did with me (as a player). This is a tough league, and this is the first time some of these guys have struggled in their career ... It's just one of those years for them. I've had those down years. It's about coming back and fighting for a job next year.”

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