Jermaine Palacios with another big night as Kernels crown LumberKings, 7-2

CLINTON — Jermaine Palacios had a single, triple, home run and drove in a pair of runs, as the Cedar Rapids Kernels toppled Clinton, 7-2, Tuesday night in Midwest League baseball. It was Palacios' eight home run of the season, more than he hit a year ago.

The win bumped the record of the Kernels to 34-24, a season-high 10 games above .500. Cedar Rapids remains a game up on Kane County for first place in the MWL's Western Division and 4 1/2 games ahead of Quad Cities and Beloit for the final of two available first-half playoff spots.

Starting pitcher Tyler Wells (3-0) threw another strong game in his second start after coming off the disabled list. The right-hander lasted six innings, giving up just two hits, no runs and striking out eight.

Max Cordy, Colton Davis and Patric McGuff finished out the game from there.

The Kernels also got two hits and two RBIs from Jaylin Davis, The nine starting position players reached base at least once via either hit or walk.

The teams play against Wednesday night at 6:35.

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