Ramirez homers twice in 7-5 win over Clinton

Baseballs were flying out of Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium as the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Clinton LumberKings combined for five home runs in a 7-5 Kernels win on Thursday night. Carlos Ramirez led the Kernel attack, going 2-3 with two HR and 3 RBI as Randal Grichuck went 2-4 with a double and RBI.

Garrett Richards picked up his first win as a Kernel, allowing four runs on six hits and striking out six over 7 IP. Jon Bachanov and David Carpenter both pitched an inning of relief with Carpenter picking up his first save. Clinton starter Jimmy Gillheeney (1-2) took the loss, allowing six runs (four earned) on six hits over 5 IP.

Clinton hit three home runs, all solo shots, as Nick Franklin went 2-5 with a HR and 2 RBI. Matt Cerione and Dennis Raben also homered.

The win improved the Kernels first half record to 9-12 as Clinton fell to 10-11. The Kernels now open a four game series with the Kane County Cougars on Friday as Fabio Martinez is scheduled to start against Ian Krol, It's a Rock 108 Progressive Beer Friday where 16 oz. draft beer starts at $1 when the gates open at 5:30 pm and goes up a dollar each hour until reaching full price. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Friday. The current home stand continues through Monday, May 3rd.