Mistakes cost Kernels before 1,942 fans

CEDAR RAPIDS – For all the warts displayed by the Cedar Rapids Kernels in a 41-58 season, they've been able to hang their hats on their fielding prowess.

Entering yesterday's game, the Kernels were second in the Midwest League in both fielding percentage (.976) and errors committed (86). Simply put, they were finding other ways to lose instead of beating themselves in the field.

Sunday was not one of those days.

“We've been solid all year defensively,” said Kernels Manager Jamie Burke after his team committed four costly errors in a 10-6 loss to the Lake County Captains in front of 1,942 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium. “It's probably the worst defensive played game that I've seen our team play. But, you know sometimes it just happens and we've just got to just try to make our adjustments and try to figure out a way to get runs back and score.”

A first-inning throwing error by Kernels catcher Zach Wright gave Lake County an early 1-0 lead. Two innings later, starting pitcher Aaron Meade fielded a sacrifice bunt only to throw high to first baseman Matt Scioscia. Potential inning-ending plays in the fourth and sixth innings were thwarted by two more throwing errors, the second of which by third baseman Trevor Hairgrove. The Captains' Jordan Smith promptly tripled off reliever Frank De Jiulio to score two runs and extend the Kernels' deficit to 8-4.

Just one of those days.

The lefty Meade (2-2) was making just his fourth start of the season versus 19 relief appearances. He surrendered seven hits and five runs in four innings, but due to the aforementioned errors, just two of those were earned.

“You know, I feel like today he competed,” Burke said. “He did well with that. It wasn't as sharp as he has been in the past, his past starts, but you know he went out there and competed, kept us in the ballgame.”

Prior to the game, Burke confirmed that Meade is being moved into the starting rotation. De Jiulio, who pitched the final five frames and was touched for seven hits and five runs, three earned, will go back to the bullpen along with Michael Johnson (4-5, 5.48 earned run average).

Cedar Rapids pitcher Eswarlin Jimenez (3-4, 4.16 earned run average) returns from the disabled list today at noon to start the rubber game of the series.