Kernels lose to Beloit, 8-6; home streak ends at 19

CEDAR RAPIDS - Whatever you do, don't say the Cedar Rapids Kernels backed into a Midwest League playoff spot.

Technically, that's what happened last night. They lost to Beloit at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 8-6, clinching one of two available first-half postseason spots in the Western Division because Clinton lost.

Cedar Rapids “earned” its bid with a brilliant run that still could end in a division championship. The Kernels lead second-place Quad Cities by 2.5 games with six to play.

“Definitely,” Kernels outfielder Mike Trout said, when asked if one big goal was out of the way. “But we're still trying to clinch the division. That's our big goal. We just have to go out tomorrow and put a ‘W.'”

While you're at it with the plaudits, give it up for that incredible home win streak that finally ended at a league-record 19. Last night was the Kernels' first loss at home since April 28.

The major league record for most consecutive home wins, by the way, is 24 (Boston in 1988 and Pittsburgh in 1978).

“Too upset about tonight to put this (streak) into perspective,” said Kernels Manager Bill Mosiello. “If you want to look at the positives, we fought back. I knew we would.”

The Kernels (41-22) simply got too far behind to make another of their seemingly patented rallies. Beloit (33-31) scored six times in the second inning against starting pitcher Ariel Pena (1-2) for a 6-0 lead.

Cedar Rapids got within a run by scoring three times in the sixth against former Kernels reliever Chris Armstrong. Four ninth-inning walks made it very interesting, but Justin Bass grounded to shortstop with the bases loaded to end the game and the streak.

“Getting scored upon early really doesn't get us down,” said Trout, who went 2-for-5 to raise his average to .365. “Just keep fighting the rest of the game … We just couldn't get it tonight.”

The teams play again today at noon. Masonville's B.J. Hermsen pitches for Beloit on Thursday night at 6:35.