Cedar Rapids Kernels beat Quad Cities, gain a tiny bit of ground in MWL standings

DAVENPORT - Starting pitcher Cody Stashak threw 6 2/3 shutout innings to help the Cedar Rapids Kernels past the Quad Cities River Bandits, 7-1, Thursday night in Midwest League baseball at Modern Woodmen Park.

It was a career-long outing for Stashak (4-4), who allowed just two hits and two walks, striking out eight. Kuo Hua Lo went the final 2 1/3 innings for his first save of the season, allowing only Dexture McCall's ninth-inning solo home run.

The Kernels (35-31) scored three times in the second inning for the only runs they'd need, taking advantage of Yoanis Quiala's wildness. Quiala (0-5) walked four batters in a row, forcing in a run, then Luis Arraez hit a two-run single through a gap created by a Quad Cities defensive shift.

J.J. Fernandez hit a three-run home run in a four-run ninth to create separation. Cedar Rapids remained 1 1/2 games behind second-place Peoria for the final Western Division playoff spot in the first half.

Clinton leads the division, two games ahead of the Kernels. Cedar Rapids plays again Friday night at Modern Woodmen Park and has other games scheduled their to end the first half.