Kernels drop another one at Clinton

CLINTON - The Cedar Rapids Kernels fell behind early, 5-0, and could never quite get back in losing to the Clinton LumberKings, 5-3, Sunday afternoon at Ashford University Stadium.

Cedar Rapids (52-33) has dropped the first two games of this three-game series, lost three in a row overall and five of six. The teams play again Monday night before the Kernels have a day off Tuesday.

Starting pitcher Mason Melotakis (6-3) gave up eight hits and all five runs (four earned) to take the loss. Clinton (44-48) nicked him for two runs in the second inning, another in the third and two more in the fourth.

Clinton's bottom three hitters in the order (Gaby Guerrero, Tim Lopes and Martin Peguero) combined for seven hits and four RBIs in the game.

The Kernels rallied for a run in the seventh and two more in the eighth, bringing the tying run to the plate in both the eighth and ninth innings. Adam Brett Walker had a pair of hits, including a run-scoring double.

Clinton starting pitcher Scott DeCecco (6-6) threw seven innings of five-hit, one-run ball for the win.

Here is the game boxscore: