Kernels drop 3rd straight

PEORIA, Ill. - The Cedar Rapids Kernels did not allow a hit until the seventh inning but still suffered a loss Wednesday afternoon, 2-0, to the Peoria Chiefs.

The Kernels (9-10) have dropped three in a row and seven of eight.

Ronald Castillo's one-out double to right-center field in the seventh was Peoria's first hit. He went to third base on a throwing error by Kernels shortstop Jonatan Hinojosa and scored on a fielder's choice grounder.

The Chiefs added an insurance run against losing relief pitcher Alex Muren (0-1) in the eighth. Ethan Mildren started for Cedar Rapids and threw five hitless innings, leaving the game after throwing 78 pitches.

The Kernels finished with five hits, stranding runners in scoring position in the second, fourth, sixth and seventh innings.

The teams conclude their four-game series tonight at 6:35.