Kernels win season opener at Peoria

Peoria, Ill. – The Cedar Rapids Kernels opened up the 2011 season with a 7-3 win at O'Brien Field in Peoria on Friday. The game was suspended because of rain after eight innings.  The game was tied 2-2.

Play resumed on Friday evening at 5:00.  The Kernels jumped on Peoria reliever Jeffry Antigua.  He allowed five runs in the top of the 9th inning. The Kernels sent 10 batters to the plate in the 9th inning with RBI hits from David Harris and Wes Hatton.

Kernels reliever Donn Roach picked up the win going 0.1 inning, allowing no runs and no hits. Max Russell started for the Kernels, going six innings.  He allowed one run on six hits, striking out six and walking two.

Peoria starter Hayden Simpson went 3.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits.  Simpson, first round draft pick for the Cubs, was making his professional debut.

Kernels second baseman Wes Hatton led the offense by driving in two runs. Right fielder Ryan Jones went 2-3 with one run scored. Left fielder Drew Heid went 2-4 with one run scored.

Peoria was led on offense by Greg Rohan, who went 2-4 with one RBI.  Anthony Giansanti went 2-4.

The Kernels continue a four game road trip through Sunday in Peoria and open the 2011 season at Perfect Game Field on Monday, April 11 at 6:35 pm against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The first 1,000 fans through the gates get a free 10th Anniversary Veterans Memorial Stadium t-shirt, thanks to the Best Western Longbranch. 2011 magnet schedules, courtesy Mercy Care Community Physicians, will be passed out to all fans during Opening Week, April 11-14.