Series Preview: Kernels @ Quad Cities

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS @ QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS

Games: @ MODERN WOODMAN PARK, DAVENPORT, IA

Thursday @ 7:00 p.m.

Friday @ 7:00 p.m.

Saturday @ 7:00 p.m.

Last 10 Games: Quad Cities (4-6) Cedar Rapids (8-2)

Cedar Rapids on Road: 6-3

Quad Cities at Home: 3-6

The Kernels took 2 out of 3 against Quad Cities last weekend at Perfect Game Field.

Pitching Rotation:

Game 1: QC: RHP Jordan Swagerty (1-1, 1.89 vs CR: LHP Max Russell (1-1, 4.22)

The Kernels faced Swagerty on April 21 at home. It was his first loss of the year. He went six innings, allowing four runs on four hits. Russell faced Quad Cities on April 23 in Game One of the doubleheader. He was the winning pitcher, going six innings allowing two runs on five hits.

Game 2: QC: RHP Seth Blair (0-2, 4.26) vs CR: RHP Heath Nichols (0-2, 10.80)

Blair only last 1.2 innings in Game One of the doubleheader against the Kernels on April 23 and took the loss. He allowed five walks in his outing, but only gave up one run on one hit. Nichols took the loss in Game Two of the doubleheader on April 23 against Quad Cities. He went 2.1 innings, allowing six runs on six hits.

Game 3: QC: LHP Anthony Ferrara (1-1, 3.45) vs CR: RHP Suammy Baez (1-1, 4.34)

Ferrara shut the Kernels down in Game Two of the doubleheader on April 23. He only allowed two hits and no runs over 5.2 innings. Baez has not faced Quad Cities this season. His last start was Monday at home versus Kane County. He was the winning pitcher in the ballgame and only allowed one run and four hits over six innings.

Players To Watch:

Carlos Ramirez enters the series with a six-game hit streak. During the streak he is 8-19 at the plate.

David Harris has two home runs and nine RBI over his last six games.

Brandon Decker made his return to the team on Wednesday afternoon. He had been disabled by a groin injury since the first week of the season. In his return, he went 0-4. He homered in his first game of the year. Decker is a 6-3, 240 pound DH/1B, and his presence in the lineup will be a big help.

By: Morgan Hawk, Kernels radio broadcaster