Lots of offense for Cedar Rapids Kernels in 12-2 swatting of Burlington

BURLINGTON - The Cedar Rapids Kernels scored nine times in the first three innings and destroyed the Burlington Bees, 12-2, Thursday night at Community Field.

Cedar Rapids finished with 16 hits, three by Daniel Kihle. Jermaine Palacios was one of five players with two hits, including his first home run of the Midwest League season.

LaMonte Wade walked three times and singled to extend his streak of reaching base via hit or walk to 26 consecutive games. Zander Wiel had two hits and three RBIs, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.

Fernando Romero (2-0) was the main beneficiary of all the runs, the starting pitcher going five innings, allowing two hits and a run. He struck out five in his second start of the season.

The Kernels (27-19) return home for a four-game homestand against Wisconsin that begins Friday night at 6:35.