Sixth loss in seven games leave Kernels wobbling

There's a joke in here somewhere about the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Pat McGrath Chevyland Used Car Night Friday night at Memorial Stadium. Something to do with the word “clunker.”

Make that another clunker, at least pitching wise. Kernels pitchers got hit hard again, and Kernels fielders didn't give them total support again in a 13-8 loss to Wisconsin before 4,574 fans on Used Car Night, Jimmy Buffett Night and fireworks night at the ballpark.

To be truthful, you have to hit Margaritaville kind of hard to watch the Kernels (65-53, 25-23) right now. It's six losses in seven games for Cedar Rapids, which hits the road for eight straight tonight through next week at Clinton and Wisconsin.

Hopefully by the time they get back to town Aug. 24, the Kernels will have righted things, at least some.

Cedar Rapids lost the final three games of this four-game series, allowing 29 runs in those games to the worst-hitting and second lowest-scoring team in the Midwest League.

The Kernels' team earned run average in August has risen to 6.56.

Starting pitcher Ryan Chaffee (8-6) didn't give his team much of a chance, giving up three runs each in the first and second innings. The three second-inning runs came courtesy of a monstrous three-run home run to left by Brett Lawrie, the parent Milwaukee Brewers' top draft pick in 2008.

A five-run fourth made it an 11-1 lead for Wisconsin (52-65, 18-29). Four of those five were unearned.

The Kernels did scratch and claw, as usual, picking up 12 hits, including a three-run homer from Adam Younger. But that was far from enough.

If you're looking for some good news, Will Smith came off the disabled list and pitched three innings of pretty good relief. Smith (8-3) has been one of the Kernels' best starting pitchers this season and should play a significant role in the postseason.

Right now, the Kernels look far from ready for the playoffs.