Next 12 games against Eastern Division teams

The Midwest League begins its version of Interleague Play this week. For the next 12 games, Western Division teams will play Eastern Division teams. We're currently on the bus and will begin a three game series at South Bend tonight. Then, it's on to West Michigan. We return home on June 7 to take on Great Lakes and Lansing.

The Kernels have 19 games remaining in the 1st half of the Midwest League season.

Remember, the top two teams after the 1st half advance to September's Midwest League playoffs.

Here are the standings:

Burlington 36-16

Peoria 28-23 (7.5 games back)

Quad Cities 27-24 (8.5 games back)

Wisconsin 27-24 (8.5 games back)

Cedar Rapids 26-25 (9.5 games back)

Beloit 24-27 (11.5 games back)

Kane County 23-28 (12.5 games back)

Clinton 14-38 (22 games back)

Burlington basically has 1st place wrapped up, but there is quite the battle for the final playoff spot. Peoria, Quad Cities, Wisconsin, and the Kernels are separated by two games.

Probable Pitchers for the Road Trip:

@ South Bend:

Tuesday @ 7:00 (eastern)---CR: RHP Suammy Baez (1-5, 4.03) vs SB: LHP Patrick Schuster (3-2, 3.74)

Wednesday @ 7:00 (eastern) ---CR: RHP Justin La Tempa (2-3, 3.09) vs SB: RHP Bradin Hagens (4-2, 3.48)

Thursday @ 10:30 (eastern) ---CR: RHP Brian Diemer (5-3, 3.04) vs SB: RHP J.R. Bradley (1-7, 5.03)

@ West Michigan:

Friday @ 7:00 (eastern) ---CR: LHP Max Russell (4-4, 3.09) vs WM: LHP Antonio Cruz (1-5, 3.25)

Saturday @ 7:00 (eastern)---CR: RHP Heath Nichols (2-4, 4.80) vs WM: RHP Josue Carreno (2-6, 6.54)

Sunday @ 1:00 (eastern)---CR: RHP Suammy Baez (1-5, 4.03) vs WM: RHP Kevin Eichhorn (3-3, 4.53)

By: Morgan Hawk, Kernels radio broadcaster