Kernels hang on to get 8-6 win at West Michigan

COMSTOCK PARK, MICH. -  The Kernels led the entire game and held off comeback attempts by the West Michigan Whitecaps all day in an 8-6 win at Fifth Third Ballpark.  Jorge Polanco propelled the Kernels offensively, going 3 for 5 with two doubles and three RBI.  Mason Melotakis (2-1) went six innings for the win as the Kernels avoided the sweep.

The Kernels (19-7) jumped on top of the Whitecaps in the first inning as the top four hitters in the lineup all scored.  Byron Buxton singled and Niko Goodrum walked to set the stage.  Jorge Polanco, Dalton Hicks, and Adam Brett Walker all drove in runs with RBI singles to put the Kernels up 3-0.  Hicks later scored on a wild pitch, and the Kernels led 4-0.

West Michigan (12-14) started the trend of the day by fighting back with 3 runs in bottom of the first inning.  David Gonzalez scored on a RBI groundout by Jeff Holm.  Jared Reaves came home on a fielding error by Kernels third baseman Travis Harrison.  Zach Kirksey's RBI single cut the Kernels lead to 4-3.

A 2-out, 2 RBI single by Niko Goodrum in the fourth inning scored Travis Harrison and Candido Pimentel to put the Kernels up 6-3.  Harrison and Pimentel drew back to back walks to start the inning.

Zach Kirksey's solo home run in the sixth inning trimmed the Kernels lead to 6-4.

Mason Melotakis (2-1) went a career-high 6 innings for the win, allowing 4 runs (2 earned).  The lefty allowed 8 hits, struck out 3, and walked 1.

The Whitecaps cut the Kernels lead to 6-5 in the eighth inning on Mario Martinez's RBI double.

The Kernels pushed across a pair of key insurance runs in the ninth inning on Jorge Polanco's 2-RBI double that scored J.D. Williams and Byron Buxton.

With the Kernels up 8-5, West Michigan rallied again the ninth inning, but were only able to plate a single run before the game ended.  With two outs Devon Travis homered and Jeff Holm singled to put the tying run at the dish, but Jake Stewart flew out to center to end the ballgame.

David Hurlbut notched his second save by going the final 1.1 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits.  Manuel Soliman recorded a hold by throwing 1.2 innings and allowing 1 run on 1 hit.

Endrys Briceno (0-2) took the loss for the Whitecaps over six innings.  He allowed six runs on eight hits while striking out five and walking three.

NEXT GAME:

Saturday, May 4 (6:05 p.m. CT) @South Bend Silver Hawks (Arizona Diamondbacks)  (Coveleski Stadium)          

Cedar Rapids: RHP Tyler Duffey (3-1, 2.60) vs. South Bend: RHP Blake Perry (0-1, 4.97)

Radio:  KMRY 1450 AM/93.1 FM & www.kernels.com

Here is the game boxscore: