Kernels drop Cougars 5-2

The Cedar Rapids Kernels did all of their scoring in the first four innings and held tightly for a 5-2 victory over the Kane County Cougars on Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

Drew Martinez singled with one out in the top of the first against starter Angel Baez (6-4) before advancing to second on a knock from Eric Stamets.

Andy Workman reached on a fielder’s choice, while Justin Trapp committed an error at second to load the bases.

Gary Mitchell walked with the bases full to force home Martinez, putting Cedar Rapids (45-66, 13-28) on the board first.

Trevor Hairgrove doubled to begin the second and eventually scored on a two-out single from Martinez to put the Kernels in front by a pair.

Michael Antonio helped bring the Cougars (54-57, 20-21) closer by doubling in the bottom of the second and scoring on a groundout off the bat of Julio Aparicio.

Frazier Hall connected with a two-out, third-inning home run to put Cedar Rapids back up by 2.

Baez allowed 2 more runs in the fourth when Andy Workman singled home Kevin Moesquit and Martinez.

Cam Bedrosian (3-8) worked 5 innings for the Kernels as he limited the Cougars to 4 hits.

Kane County tacked on a run in the seventh against Joe Melioris, who worked 3 innings. Danny Mateo smacked a single to center, scoring Trapp. Stephen Tromblee (fifth save) retired the Cougars in order in the ninth.