Beloit beats Kernels, 5-4, completes 3-game sweep

BELOIT, Wis. - On the back of two, two-run home runs, Beloit beat Cedar Rapids 5-4 Friday to complete a three-game series sweep over the Kernels.

With the Kernels (30-16) leading 4-1 in the fourth inning, Cedar Rapids' starting pitcher Tyler Duffey gave up a two-run homer to Ryan Mathews, and then Duffey surrendered another two-run shot to Matt Olson in the fifth.

Duffey (3-2), who pitched five innings and gave up nine hits and five earned runs, suffered the loss. Derek De Young improved to 4-1 for Beloit, and Vincent Vioro got his second save of the season in the Snappers' win.

Byron Buxton (1 for 4) singled and stole his 22nd base of the season in the loss. The Kernels' outfielder is batting .318 this season.

With its win Friday, Beloit (28-18) pulled to within two games of first-place Cedar Rapids in the West Division of the Midwest League.

The Kernels, losers of three straight for the first time in 2013, host Burlington Saturday at 6:35 p.m. in the first game of a six-game homestand.