Series Preview: Kernels travel to Wisconsin

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS (20-11) @ WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS (13-15)

Games Played At: TIME WARNER CABLE FIELD @ FOX CITIES STADIUM

Tuesday-Thursday: All games at 6:35 p.m.

Last 10 Games: Cedar Rapids (6-4) Wisconsin (6-4)

Cedar Rapids on the Road: 10-5

Wisconsin at Home: 7-9

The Kernels and Timber Rattlers split a four game series earlier this season at Perfect Game Field in Cedar Rapids.

Pitching Rotation:

Game 1: RHP Suammy Baez (1-2, 4.31) vs. Wis: LHP Del Howell (0-3, 4.37)

Baez's last start was on Thursday at home versus Burlington. He allowed five runs over 6.2 innings in a no decision. He struck out four and walked four. Baez faced the Timber Rattlers on April 13. He got a no decision while throwing three innings and allowing three runs. He struck out three and walked three. Howell's last start was on Thursday. He got a no decision after going four innings and allowing two runs at Beloit.

Game 2: CR: RHP Justin La Tempa (1-0, 2.55) vs. Wis: RHP Jimmy Nelson (0-2, 4.01)

La Tempa's last appearance was on Friday versus Burlington. He went four innings in relief allowing no runs on one hit. He struck out nine and walked one. La Tempa started against Wisconsin on April 14. He went four innings in a no decision while allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out four and walked four. Nelson started last on Friday at Beloit. In a no decision effort, he went 5.2 innings and allowed three runs (one earned). He struck out two and walked four. Nelson faced the Kernels on April 14. He started and only went 0.2 inning. He allowed three runs on four hits while striking out one and walking three.

Game 3: CR: RHP Brian Diemer (4-1, 2.12) vs. Wis: RHP Austin Ross (3-1, 1.43)

Diemer has won his last four starts. Most recently, he started against Beloit on Saturday. He won after going seven innings and allowing three runs (two earned). He struck out three and walked one. Diemer's only loss came against Wisconsin on April 11. He took the loss after going 4.2 innings and allowing two runs (one earned). Diemer struck out two and walked six. Austin Ross started on Saturday versus Quad Cities at home. He lost his first ballgame after going 7.1 innings and allowing one run. He struck out six and walked one. Ross faced the Kernels on April 12. He went five innings in a no decision. He allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits. He struck out two and walked three.