Kernels rally comes up short in 4-2 loss to River Bandits

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels came up two runs short in the bottom of the ninth inning as they dropped the first game of a three game home series with the Quad Cities River Bandits, 4-2, on Saturday night at Perfect Game Field. Drew Beuerlein drove in Justin Bass to cut Quad Cities lead to 4-2, but Aaron Terry got Terrell Alliman to ground out to third to end the game.

Quad Cities starter Justin Smith (6-0) held the Kernels to a run on five hits and struck out five over 5.1 innings for the win. Despite giving up a run on two hits and a walk, Aaron Terry recorded his 13th save of the season. Kernels starter Ariel Pena (5-3) allowed three runs on four hits, walked six and struck out three over 4 IP in taking the loss.

Edgar Lara and Matt Adams both hit solo home runs, which proved to be the difference in the game, and Ted Obregon was 1-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Matt Long drove in the Kernels first run in the sixth inning on an RBI double to score Terrell Alliman, as Alliamn finished the game 2-4.

Game two between the Kernels and River Bandits is Sunday afternoon at 2:05 pm on 104.5 KDAT Sunday Family Day. Fans can get autographs from the kernels on the concourse before the game, enjoy Papa Balloon and GSE's Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid' on the concourse during the game, and run the bases and play catch in the outfield after the game, thanks to Beef O'Brady's.

The Kernels will be wearing special red Angels' jerseys, sponsored by Xquisite Limo, that are being sold via a season-long silent auction that ends on August 22. Proceeds from the jerseys will benefit the Kernels and Angels Foundations.

Tickets may be ordered on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 11 am on Sunday. The current home stand continues through Monday, August 2nd.