Kernels beat Kane County to move to 3-0

GENEVA, Ill. - Starting pitcher Stephen Gonsalves struck out nine in six innings, and the Cedar Rapids Kernels completed a three-game, season-opening sweep of the Kane County Cougars, 5-3, Saturday afternoon.

Gonsalves allowed five hits, including a first-inning home run to Marty Herum. He didn't walk anyone.

Cedar Rapids scored all of its runs the first four innings. Jorge Fernandez and Zach Granite had two hits each for the Kernels, who have their home opener Sunday afternoon at 4:05 against Beloit.

Nick Gordon had a pair of RBIs for C.R., despite going 0-for-4.

Kane County made things interesting with a pair of unearned runs in the ninth. But reliever Trevor Hildenberger stranded the tying runs on base, striking out Herum to end the game.