Kernels open 2nd half at Beloit

Cedar Rapids (32-38) @ Beloit (38-32)

The Kernels are 4-5 against the Snappers this season.

Game 1: Friday at 7:00 p.m.

CR: RHP Heath Nichols (3-5, 4.82) vs. BEL: LHP Ryan O'Rourke (1-1, 1.62)

In 13 starts this season, Nichols has pitched 65.1 innings and given up 70 hits while striking out 43 and walking 34. His last start was last Thursday at Beloit. He went six innings and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out two and walking none in a no decision effort. Nichols is making his 4th start against Beloit this season with no record against the Snappers.

This is O'Rourke's 5th start and 22nd appearance. In 39 innings pitched, he has allowed 32 hits, struck out 33, and walked 10. His last appearance was Sunday at Burlington. He went one inning in relief, allowing no runs and no hits. His last start was June 14 in game two of the doubleheader against the Kernels. He picked up the win in five innings of work while allowing no runs on three hits. He struck out eight and walked none. He went 1.2 innings against the Kernels on April 17. He allowed one run on one hit.

Game 2: Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

CR: RHP Justin La Tempa (2-4, 4.10) vs. BEL: RHP A.J. Achter (2-1, 2.59)

This is La Tempa's 10th start and 15th appearance on the season. La Tempa has pitched 59.1 innings this season and has allowed 66 hits while striking out 50 and walking 20. His last start was last Sunday against Wisconsin. In a no decision, he went 2.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out one and walking one. This is La Tempa's 2nd start against the Snappers this season. On June 14 in game two of a doubleheader, he took the loss in four innings of work. He allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out seven and walking none.

This is Achter's 6th start of the season. In 24.1 innings this season, he has allowed 18 hits while striking out 25 and walking eight. He was won his last two starts. His last start was last Saturday at Burlington. He picked up the win in seven innings of work. He struck out one and walked four while striking out five and walking two. This is Achter's first start against the Kernels this season.

Game 3: Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

CR: LHP Max Russell (4-6, 3.42) vs. BEL: LHP Pat Dean (1-0, 2.84)

This is Russell's 15th start of the season. Russell has pitched 81.2 innings this season and has allowed 66 hits. He has struck out 58 and walked 34. His last start was June 15 at Beloit. He took the loss in six innings of work. He allowed four runs on four hits while striking out six and walking one. He is 1-2 in three starts against the Snappers this season.

This is Dean's 8th start of the season. In 38 innings, he has allowed 34 hits while striking out 34 and walking eight. His last start was June 17 at Burlington. He picked up a no decision, going six innings. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out six and walking none. This is Dean's first start against the Kernels this season.

By: Morgan Hawk, Kernels radio broadcaster