Kernels hold on for 6-3 win over Kane County

Geneva, IL - The Kernels knocked out two home runs and used a strong start by Brian Diemer in a 6-3 victory over the Kane County Cougars at Elfstrom Stadium on Monday afternoon. Brandon Decker and Carlos Ramirez combined for five RBIs with the two home runs.  With the Kernels leading 1-0 in the 6th inning, Decker launched a three run home run to right field to give the Kernels a 4-0 lead. Carlos Ramirez added a two run shot to left field in the 8th inning to give the Kernels a 6-0 lead.

Brian Diemer (3-1) was strong in his start on the mound and got the win.  He threw six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits.  He struck out five and walked none. The Cougars rallied for three runs in the 9th inning against Erik Gregersen.  With two outs and a runner at second base, Kane County recorded four straight singles to cut the Kernels lead to 6-3. Gregersen exited after going 0.2 inning.  He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out one and walking none. Caleb Graham came on to retire Brian Fletcher with two runners on for the final out of the ballgame.  Graham picked up his second save of the season.

Manny Correa pitched scoreless 7th and 8th innings.  He allowed four hits while striking out two and walking none. The Kernels scored the game's first run in the 4th inning to take a 1-0 lead.  Drew Heid and Travis Witherspoon led off the inning with back to back singles.  Later in the inning, David Harris brought Heid home on a sacrifice fly to left field.

Robert Penny (0-1) started his first game for Kane County on the season and took the loss.  He went five innings, allowing one run on four hits.  He struck out four and walked one.  Mitch Hodge went 0.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits.  He struck out one and walked two.  Jon Keck went 1.1 innings, allowing no runs on no hits. Chaz Byrne went one inning, allowing two runs on three hits.  Matt Mitchell pitched a scoreless 9th inning for the Cougars.

The Kernels continue the series at Kane County and the six game road trip on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. Morgan Hawk brings you the action on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM.  Fans may also listen online at www.kmryradio.com or www.kernels.com <http://www.kernels.com> .

The Kernels return home on Wednesday, May 4th when they host Beloit at 6:35 p.m. Tickets are available online at

www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.