Hamilton, Blankenhorn go deep, Kernels sting Bees, 11-6

BURLINGTON — Travis Blankenhorn and Caleb Hamilton homered to help the Cedar Rapids Kernels to an 11-6 win over the Burlington Bees in Midwest League baseball Sunday afternoon.

Hamilton's two-run shot in the eighth inning extended a tenuous 7-6 lead for the Kernels (33-24). Blankenhorn had three hits and drove in four runs.

Cedar Rapids actually was outhit by Burlington, 14-11, but drew a season-high eight walks. Every Kernels player, including pinch hitter Ariel Montesino, reached base either via hit or walk.

Starter Eduardo Del Rosario (5-3) gave up eight hits and four walks in five innings but still picked up the pitching victory. Zack Tillery, Logan Lombana and Ryan Mason followed him to close out the win, which moved the Kernels into first place alone in the Midwest League's Western Division, pending the outcome of Kane County's game Sunday night at Quad Cities.

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