Jose Jimenez powers Kernels to 5-2 win

The Cedar Rapids Kernels rode the bat of Jose Jimenez in a 5-2 win over West Michigan on Wednesday night at Perfect Game Field. Jimenez cut a 2-0 Whitecap lead to 2-1 with a sac fly to score Casey Haerther in the fourth and then gave the Kernels a 3-2 lead in the sixth on his fifth home run of the year.

The win, coupled with an extra inning loss by Quad Cities and a win by third place Clinton, reduces the Kernels Magic Number to seven for qualifying for the MWL Playoffs and to eight for winning the first half of the MWL West. The Kernels first half record is now 38-21 and a phenomenal 20-4 at Perfect Game Field, while West Michigan fell to 23-36.

Kernels starter Tyler Skaggs kept the Kernels in the game, despite giving up two runs (one earned) in the second inning. Skaggs allowed five hits and struck out five with no walks over 5 IP. Tyler Kehrer (2-2) came on to pitch three scoreless innings and pick up the win, allowing a walk with two strikeouts, and Johnny Hellweg struck out two in the ninth for his seventh save.

Jeremy Cruz and Mike Trout both had a multiple hit game for the Kernels tonight. Cruz was 2-4 to raise his season BA to .277 and Trout went 3-4 and was just a home run away from hitting for the cycle.

West Michigan starter Trevor Feeney (6-4) gave up five runs on nine hits and struck out four over 7.1 IP in taking the loss. Jamie Johnson and Michael Rockett each had an RBI for the Whitecaps.

The Kernels and Whitecaps wrap up their three game series on Thursday night at 6:35 pm on Outdoor Sports Night at Perfect Game Field, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Seatasea Watersports. Fan can come dressed in their favorite hunting or fishing attire, enjoy free prizes, take part in a casting contest and much more during the game. It's also a 100.7 The Fox Thirsty Thursday with 12 oz. draft beer just $1.50 and bottled soda and water just two dollars.

Gates open at 5:30 pm and tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Thursday morning. The current home stand continues through Sunday, June 20.