Comeback Kernels do it again

The Cedar Rapids Kernels scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, capped by a two run single by Mike Trout to win their fifth game in a row, 5-4, over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Trout finished the game 2-4 with a double as the Kernels improve to 32-18 and a scorching 22-6 in the month of May.

Kernels starter Stephen Locke ran into some problems in the fourth inning as Wisconsin struck for their four runs. Locke allowed 10 hits and struck out four over six innings. Reliever Manaurys Correa (1-0) picked up the win, striking out one over two innings, and Johnny Hellweg struck out two in the ninth for his fifth save.

The Kernels were outhit by the Timber Rattlers, 11-6, as Matt Long was 2-4 with a triple and run scored and Jeremy Cruz and Jose Jimenez each added a single. Scooter Gennett went 3-5 with a run scored for Wisconsin as Chris Dennis capped the Rattler scoring in the fourth with a three run HR. Starter Jake Odorizzi struck out eight over six innings. Del Howell (0-2) took the loss, allowing a hit and three walks in 2 IP.

The series finale is Monday afternoon at 2:05 pm on a busy Memorial Day at the stadium. The Kernels host a Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 10 am - tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under with the proceeds to benefit local Veterans organizations.

It's Pepsi Day at Perfect Game Field as the first 500 fans receive a Pepsi can koozie. Two grand prizes will be given away during the game. The first, a night in a Kernels Diamond Suite on Tuesday, July 6 and the second is a Pepsi Tailgate Package, which includes a canopy, four bag chairs, travel grill, grill tools, cooler, Bag-O game and a $200 gift certificate to Nelson's Meats. Gates open at 1:00 pm and first pitch between the Kernels and Timber Rattlers is scheduled for 2:05 pm.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 8 am on Sunday morning.