Peoria Chiefs at Cedar Rapids Kernels
April 10th, 2004
| Peoria |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
0 |
4 |
0 |
| Cedar Rapids |
|
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
1 |
3 |
X |
|
|
8 |
12 |
0 |
LOB PEO-6, CR-7, 2B-Kendrick, Wilson, Maher, 3B-Cosby, HR-Wood, HBP-Evans (Hunter), SACB-McCoy, SACF-Brown, CS-Dryer, Jaramillo, Maher
WP-Posey, PB-Pagnozzi
BB-Cosby, Pali, Balkcom
U-Jesse Redwine, Nick Monaco
T-2:35, A-1,097
Peoria Journal Star
Brandon Wood was the Anaheim Angels first round draft pick last June.
He played like it Saturday night as Wood helped the Cedar Rapids Kernels beat the Peoria Chiefs 8-0 and win the season opening three game series at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Wood, the shortstop and No 3 hitter went 3 for 5 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs.
Wood's offense was plenty of support for the trio of Kernels pitchers who combined to allow just four hits.
Left handed starter Micah Posey got the win, allowing two of the Chiefs' four hits in five innings.
The Kernels pounded 12 hits including centerfielder Quan Cosby's second triple of the series.
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Jeff Johnson
If you looked at the dugouts at one particular point in last night's Cedar Rapids Kernels game, you saw just about every player jumping up and down simultaneously in an attempt to stay warm. It was quite a sight. Ah, you Arizona, California and Florida guys. This is nothing compared to the middle of January.
In fairness, a stiff breeze from the north did make things a might chilly for everyone at Memorial Stadium. Not chilly enough for the Kernels who ignored the cold and had their most successful offensive game of the young Midwest League season.
Kernels hitters smacked the ball hard all over the place, posting 12 hits and an 8-0 victory over the Peoria Chiefs. Cedar Rapids took two of three games from Peoria.
"One through nine, our hitters, are solid." said Kernels designated hitter Caleb Maher, who contribuated a walk and RBI double. "When the nine hole comes up, it's not like (an automatic out). We can all hit. We've got a lot of young guys on the team, and I think the first couple of games we had some jitters and stuff. Today we finally broke out. I think this is the kid of team we're going to be. A lot of hits, good pitching and good defense."
Everyone in the lineup did something positive. Seven guys had hits, including Brandon Wood's three, Wood hit Cedar Rapids' first home run of the season, as high arching solo job in the seventh inning that just made the short deck in left.
Even the two players who didn't have hits contributed. Matt Brown had a sacrifice fly, and Blake Balkcom walked and scored a run.
It was quite a contrast from the first two games, in which they had 13 hits and didn't hit the ball with authority, save for a four run seventh inning Thursday night.
"I really belive this team is going to hit," Kernels manager Bobby Magallanes said. "It's just a matter of getting their at-bats. Early in the season, guys are anxious, they want to get off to a good start. Today guys really looked comfortable at the plate. They waited for their pitches."
Kernels pitchers, meanwhile didn't provide Peoria much to hit. Micah Posey, Chris Hunter and Aaron Pullin combined for a four hitter, quietting a team that scored 12 runs Thursday and Friday. Posey and Hunter are piggy backing for the time being, with Posey getting the start this time around. The left hander was solid, allowing two hits and striking out five in five innings.
Hunter, who will start next week with Posey relieving him, had problems with command but skated through three innings without giving up an runs. He walked three and gave up two hits. Pullin pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.
"Hunter and I are going to flip-flop, so hopefully i'll get a chance at some saves maybe." said Posey, a starter last season for the Kernels. "I don't know if it's going to be a full year thing or not. All I know is we've got six guys who can start at this level, and this was just a quick cure for that. You've got to be open minded about stuff like that. Eventually it'll iron itself out, but for right now, this is how we're looking."
The Kernels have Easter off, then begin a four game series at home MOnday agains the Clinton Lumberkings.
"Im happy with today, I'm happy with the series," Magallanes said, "To come out of this winning two out of three to start the season over what I think is a pretty good team is outstanding."
How They Scored
Bottom 3
Quan Coby tripled with one out an scored on Howie Kendrick's double.
Bottom 5
Cosby walked and Kendrick singled. Brandon Wood singled in Cosby. Matt Brown scored Kenrick with a sacrifice fly, and Bobby Wilson doubled in Wood.
Bottom 7
Wood hit a solo home run with one out.
Bottom 8
Matt Pali and Blake Balkcom walked. Caleb Maher doubled to left, scoring Pali. Matt Abram singled in Balkcom and Maher.