Kernels can't contain Franklin and LumberKings

Clinton, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels couldn't contain Clinton second baseman Nick Franklin as he nearly single-handedly defeated the Kernels, 4-3, at Alliant Energy Field in Clinton on Sunday. Franklin went 3-5 with a double, two home runs, 3 RBI and drove in the game-winning run with two out in the bottom of the 10th inning off Kernels reliever Kyle Hurst (4-2).

Franklin's heroics overshadowed a great pitching performance by Kernels starter Fabio Martinez, who allowed two runs on four hits and struck out 12 over seven innings in a no-decision effort. Mike Trout also had a good game, going 3-4 with a double, HR and 2 RBI.

Trout led off the game with a home run to right field and drove in Carlos Ramirez with his double in the third. Matt Long added a sac fly to give the Kernels a 3-1 lead. Clinton cut the lead to 3-2 on an RBI single by Steven Baron in the fifth, and tied the game on Franklin's second home run in the 8th.

Clinton starter Anthony Vasquez allowed three runs on six hits and struck out eight over six innings in a no-decision effort. Jose Jimenez and Chris Kirkland combined to hold the Kernels to two hits over the final four innings of the game with Kirkland picking up the win.

The Kernels take a day off on Monday to participate in the Kernels Foundation Charity Golf Outing starting at 11 am at Gardner Golf Course and then open a three game series on Tuesday, May 18 against Quad Cities. Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Monday. The upcoming home stand continues through Thursday, May 20.