Cedar Rapids Kernels improve to 3-0 with win at Peoria

PEORIA, Ill. — Ben Rortvedt's two-run single in the sixth inning helped give the Cedar Rapids Kernels a 3-1 win over Peoria in Midwest League baseball Monday night.

The Kernels are 3-0 to start the season.

Jose Miranda walked with two outs in the sixth for Cedar Rapids, with Andrew Bechtold following with a walk. A wild pitch by Peoria starting pitcher Evan Guillory moved the runners ahead a base, and Rortvedt came through with a hit that put the Kernels on top, 2-1.

An RBI double by Mark Contreras in the ninth added an insurance run for Cedar Rapids. Bechtold had three hits for the Kernels and Rortvedt two.

Kernels pitchers allowed 12 hits but only one run. Reliever Kevin Marnon picked up the victory with 2 2/3 innings of shutout baseball.

Jared Finkel threw the final two innings for the save. Starter Blayne Enlow gave up seven hits and a run, striking out two in 4 1/2 innings.

The teams play again Tuesday night.

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