Minor League Notes: Kernels pitching has been great

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Quad Cities pitching staff has been other other-worldly the first month of the Midwest League season. It's why the River Bandits have a 23-6 record.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels pitching staff, meanwhile, has been just other-worldly. The Kernels have a 2.29 team earned run average, which somehow pales in comparion for QC's 2.04.

Everyone expected the starting rotation to be strong, and it has been. Mat Batts, Michael Cederoth, Stephen Gonsalves, Jared Wilson, John Curtiss, Felix Jorge, Zack Tillery (one start) and big leaguer Ricky Nolasco (one rehab start) have combined for a 2.69 ERA in 140 1/3 innings.

What has been a surprise is the performance of the guys coming out of the bullpen.

'Going in, we thought our relievers were our bigggest question mark,” Manager Jake Mauer. 'But I tell you what, those guys out there have been great.”

How great? Miles Nordgren came in from extended spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., for a couple of weeks due to injuries, didn't give up a run in 3 1/3 innings but got sent back to extended.

Cam Booser (0.64 ERA) has been a revelation with his mid-90s fastball from the left side. He has struck out 25 in 14 innings and has three saves.

But it's not just him. Sidearmer Trevor Hildenberger (0.60) has 20 strikeouts in 15 innings and given up just seven hits. Michael Theofanapoulos (1.26) has been as hard to hit as his last name is to spell.

C.K. Irby (2.46) has allowed just six hits and struck out 16 in 11 innings. Randy LeBlanc (3.60) has more strikeouts than innings pitched, as does Sam Clay (3.86).

Combined, the Kernels' bullpen has fashioned a 1.74 earned run average in just shy of 100 innings. The Kernels have Mother's Day off and then begin a seven-game homestand Monday, with Peoria and Quad Cities coming to town.

LOCAL/AREA GUYS in the Minor leagues

Here is your weekly update of players from the Metro, area and University of Iowa playing professional baseball:

- Chad Christensen (Cedar Rapids Washington): The outfielder and 2014 Cedar Rapids Kernel was hitting .250 through Friday, with a home run and eight RBIs in 24 games for high-Class A Fort Myers (Twins). He had hit in four straight games.

- Jon Keller (Cedar Rapids Xavier): Relief pitcher for high-A Frederick (Orioles) is 1-2 with a save in eight appearances, with a 4.66 ERA. Has struck out 10 in 19 1/3 innings.

- Derrick Loveless (Solon): Outfielder with high-A Dunedin is hitting ..253 in 83 at-bats (25 games). Has two home runs and nine RBI.

- Colin Rea (Cascade): Continues stellar early season, with 1-1 record and 1.29 ERA for Double-A San Antonio (Padres). In six starts, he has thrown 42 innings, given up 29 hits and six walks, striking out 38.

- Scott Schebler (Cedar Rapids Prairie): Outfielder for Triple-A Oklahoma City (Dodgers) is hitting .212 with five homers and 10 RBIs in 26 games (85 at-bats).

- Justin Toole (University of Iowa): Playing for Double-A Akron (Indians), infielder has played in 18 games, hitting .250 wiith eight RBIs.

- Jake Yacinich (University of Iowa): Shortstop hitting .295 in 21 games, 88 at-bats, for low-A Burlington (Angels) of Midwest League. Has eight RBIs.

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com