Kernels snap streak with 8-4 win over Chiefs

The Cedar Rapids Kernels snapped a three game losing streak with an 8-4 win over the Peoria Chiefs on Wednesday night at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Luis Jimenez went 3-5 with a double and 2 RBI and Mike Trout was 2-5 with 2 RBI to lead the Kernels (3-4).

Kernels starter Fabio Martinez allowed a run on seven hits, walked two and struck out four over five innings in a no-decision effort. Kyle Hurst (1-0) picked up the save and Johnny Hellweg notched his first save. Peoria reliever Andres Quezada (0-1) took the loss for the Chiefs.

The Kernels scored six runs over the final three innings as Trout had a two run single in the sixth, Jimenez had an RBI double and Eric Oliver drove in a run on a sac fly in the seventh, and Randal Grichuk delivered a key insurance run with an RBI double in the eighth.

The two teams combined for 26 hits as Hak-Ju Lee was 2-5 with 2 RBI and Richard Jones was 3-5 to lead the Chiefs, who out hit the Kernels 14-12. The Chiefs stranded 13 while the Kernels left 11 on base.

Game two between the Kernels and Chiefs is scheduled for Thursday night at 6:35 pm with the gates opening at 5:30 pm. It's a 100.7 The Fox Thirsty Thursday where 12 oz. draft beer is just $1.50 and 20 oz. bottles of soda and water are $2. It's also Jackie Robinson Night, presented by the African American Museum.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Thursday morning. Tickets may also be ordered on-line at

www.kernels.com. The current home stand continues through Friday, April 16.