New additions provide a punch for Kernels

CEDAR RAPIDS — Two weeks ago, Jason Kanzler and B.K. Santy did not own a Cedar Rapids Kernels jersey.

The Kernels are glad they are suited up now, attempting to make the most of their opportunity.

Kanzler and Santy made major contributions Saturday in a 7-6 win over West Michigan in 12 innings, snapping a four-game losing streak at Memorial Stadium. Kanzler drove a pitch to center field, scoring Engelb Vielma from second for the winning run, after Santy belted a solo home run with two outs in the ninth to force extra innings.

Both were additions to the original roster. Kanzler joined the team April 9, while Santy was playing in his first game as a Kernel, arriving Friday to replace Michael Quesada, who suffered a bruised right wrist.

'It's a good lesson to learn,' Kernels Manager Jake Mauer said. 'You go down, you do your work and do what you're supposed to do. Injuries are part of the game. Unfortunately it happens. When you get a chance you have to make the most of it.'

The pair helped the Kernels come out swinging when their backs against the wall. Santy stepped in the batter's box with the Kernels staring at a fifth-straight loss before an off-day. He made everyone take notice of the latest addition, looking for a ball to drive into a stiff wind blowing toward left field.

'You just want to help the team win any way you can,' said Santy, who led Cedar Rapids with two RBIs. 'I got a pitch I could handle and hit it out. It all worked out and we ended up getting the win.'

Santy said he didn't feel any pressure to produce with the new squad. He was quite familiar with most of the players and was at ease in the lineup.

'With this group of guys, I know them pretty well and played with a lot of them,' Santy said. 'I feel real comfortable with every guy on this team.'

The blow helped set up Kanzler's extra-inning heroics. Before the game-winner, Kanzler sparked a comeback in the 10th. With two outs, Kanzler laid down a bunt for a single. He scored the tying run on Mitch Garver's double to the left-center gap.

Kanzler struggled at the plate in his first five at-bats. After a bad swing, he decided to get on any way possible.

'I had to manufacture a way to get on base,' Kanzler said. 'The push bunt was wide open, so I took it.'

It provided a boost for the next time up, which secured the victory,

'I went up looking for one pitch,' Kanzler said. 'Just looking for a pitch to drive.'

The Kernels battled back from a four-run deficit when the Whitecaps (9-7) scored five runs in the fourth and fifth, hitting three home runs during the outburst. They also took advantage of scoring chances late in the game, despite stranding 10 of 14 total runners in the first eight innings.

'They didn't quit,' Mauer said. 'They didn't give up and I think that's how our team has been up to this point. They don't back off.'

The Kernels (9-7) received strong relief performances from Hudson Boyd and winning pitcher Brandon Peterson (1-0). They combined to pitch the final four innings, allowing just one run on four hits.

Cedar Rapids rapped out 14 hits, receiving two each from Kanzler, Tanner Vavra, Chad Christensen, Zack Larson and Vielma. Christensen extended his hit streak to eight games, but teammate Bryan Haar had his eight-game hit streak snapped.

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