These guys really do provide relief

CEDAR RAPIDS - Point to the almost obscene hitting statistics with runners in scoring position if you want. But another huge reason why this season has been so special for the Cedar Rapids Kernels is the bullpen.

It was three scoreless innings for the boys in relief to close out last night's 1-0 win over Kane County before 1,707 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Check this out. The Kernels are 58-3 when leading after six innings, 61-3 when leading after seven and 60-1 when leading after eight.

In other words, get a lead and the game is all but over.

“They've been excellent all year,” said starting pitcher Tyler Kehrer, who threw the first six innings of this seven-hit gem. “They just come in and put up zeros, which always helps whenever the starter doesn't go as long. Those guys are always coming in and putting up zeros.”

They might not be the prettiest zeros. Regular closer Johnny Hellweg has as many walks as innings, and last night's performance wasn't without its tense moments.

But David Carpenter stranded the bases loaded in the ninth by getting a routine grounder to first base to end the game. He's got five saves in as many attempts. Yeison Almeida threw scoreless seventh and eighth innings.

Just get it done.

“We all just pretty much have the same mindset when we go out there,” said Carpenter. “All we've pretty much got to do is throw strikes down in the zone. Get that quick out, so you can come back the next day if you need to.”

“They've been a bright spot for us, no question,” said Kernels Manager Bill Mosiello. “You look at our stopper, Hellweg, and his numbers aren't flawless by any means. But results wise, they've been absolutely incredible.”

As was Kehrer (5-4). He also has had difficulties throwing strikes this season, which isn't a good matchup against a Kane County team that takes a lot of pitches. But he was strike one much of last night, allowing just three hits and three walks, striking out six.

“His best outing of the season,” Mosiello said.

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders make an appearance at tonight's 6:35 game.