Twins Minor League Report (9/7): Kernels Win Big In Wisconsin

The Kernels got off to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Zander Wiel led off with a triple. Travis Blankenhorn was then hit by a pitch. JJ Fernandez gave the Kernels a 1-0 lead with a single to right. Blankenhorn advanced to third and then scored when Nelson Molina grounded into a double play.

In the third, they added a run to make it 3-0. With one out, Luis Arraez tripled. He then scored on a Zander Wiel single.

19-year-old Lachlan Wells did well early, too. In the first inning he gave up two hits and a walk, but he was able to get out of the inning without allowing a run. Through four innings, he had eight strikeouts to go with those two hits and a walk. However, in the fifth inning, he gave up three runs and the game was tied.

However, that’s when the Kernels came through with their big, five-run top of the sixth. The inning started with doubles from Zander Wiel, Travis Blankenhorn and JJ Fernandez for the first two runs. After a pitching change, Nelson Molina singled Fernandez to third. Jaylin Davis followed by hitting a single that scored two runs. The Kernels now had an 8-3 lead.

Wells’ night was complete. He gave up three runs over five innings. He gave up four hits, walked two and struck out nine. Michael Cederoth came in. He was perfect for three innings and struck out five batters.

The Kernels added some insurance in the 8th inning. With two outs, Casey Scoggins singled. Christian Ibarra walked. Luis Arraez tripled to score both runners, and he then scored on a wild pitch to give the Kernels an 11-3 lead.

Colton Davis got the ninth inning for the Kernels. He struck out the first two batters before getting the final out on a foul pop to first base.

Luis Arraez led the way going 3-5 with two triples and two RBI. Zander Wiel was also 3-5 with a double and a triple. Travis Blankenhorn was 2-4 with a double and a triple. JJ Fernandez was 2-5 with a double and two RBI. Nelson Molina and Casey Scoggins also had two hit games. Jaylin Davis went 1-3 with two walks.

Final Score: Cedar Rapids 11, Wisconsin 3

Box Score

WHAT’S NEXT?

Game 2 will be in Cedar Rapids on Thursday night. Eduardo Del Rosario will take the mound for the Kernels against the TimberRattlers.