August 23, 2010: Game Notes

ABOUT SUNDAY: The Rattlers lost 10-2 to the Kernels. Cedar Rapids scored twice in the first and six times in the second to build an early 8-0 lead.

MISSED OPPORTUNITY: Wisconsin had two runners on with one out in the top of the first inning. They did not cash in against Kernels starting pitcher Max Russell.

THAT WAS QUICK: Jon Karcich gave the Kernels a 1-0 lead with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first off Efrain Nieves. The first five Kernels to bat in the first inning reached base. But, they scored just two runs.

SECOND THAT: The Kernels added six runs on six hits and two errors in the bottom of the second inning. Nieves retired the first batter of the inning, but the next six batters reached on three doubles, a triple, two singles and an error.

PUT IT ON THE BOARD: D’Vontrey Richardson homered to left with one out in the third inning to get the Rattlers their first run of the game. The homer was Richardson’s sixth of the season. In the fourth inning, Chris Dennis doubled and would score later in the frame on a Cameron Garfield sacrifice fly.

PILING ON: Cedar Rapids added two runs against Jon Pokorny in the eighth inning. The second run of the frame came on a bases loaded walk. Timber Rattlers pitchers have issued 16 bases loaded walks this season. Only Bowling Green (17) has walked more opposing batters with the sacks full.

TEN OR MORE BLUES: The Rattlers have given up 10 or more runs in a game in their last three games. They have allowed opponents to reach double digits in runs in five of the last six games. Wisconsin has allowed 10 more runs in a game 18 times this season.

A NOTE ABOUT THE SEASON SERIES: The Kernels are 13-5 against Wisconsin this season. They have outscored the Rattlers 119-77 in the 18 games. The Rattlers pitchers have an ERA of 6.32 in this series, while the Kernels staff has an ERA of 3.87.

A NOTE ABOUT THE SEASON SERIES HERE: Wisconsin is just 1-8 in nine games at Perfect Game Field this season. The Kernels have outscored the Rattlers 62-23 in those nine games. Wisconsin has a team ERA of 7.28 in Cedar Rapids. The Kernels have an ERA of 2.28 against the Rattlers at Perfect Game Field.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS: The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They finished the first half with a record of 43-25 and won the first half Western Division. The Kernels are currently 31-23 in the second half of the season to give them an overall record of 74-48. The Kernels dropped the final two games of their three game series with Kane County at home before starting this series with Wisconsin.

2010 SEASON SERIES: The Rattlers and Kernels have played 18 games this season. The Rattlers are 5-13 against Cedar Rapids. The Rattlers are 1-8 at Perfect Game Field against the Kernels. Wisconsin beat Cedar Rapids two out of three times in a series at Time Warner Cable Field April 20-22. The Kernels swept a three-game series May 7-9 from the Rattlers in Wisconsin. The May 7 game was played at Miller Park. The final two games of the series were at Time Warner Cable Field. The Kernels swept a four game series from the Rattlers at Perfect Game Field from May 28-31. Wisconsin went 1-2 in a three game set at Cedar Rapids July 4-6. In their most recent series, Wisconsin took two of three from the Kernels August 14-16.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST: The Timber Rattlers are hitting .254 as a team. They have scored 585 runs (4.8/game) and hit 70 home runs. The Kernels are hitting .279 as a team. They have scored 676 runs (5.5/game) and hit 79 homers. Wisconsin pitchers have a team ERA of 4.80 while allowing a total of 655 runs (5.3/game) this season. Cedar Rapids pitchers have a team ERA of 3.79 while allowing a total of 517 runs (4.2/game). The Timber Rattler defense has committed 163 errors. The Kernels defense has committed 119 errors. Wisconsin is 23-37 on the road this season. Cedar Rapids is 42-20 at home in 2010.

CEDAR RAPIDS STARTING PITCHER: LHP Tyler Kehrer was a supplemental first round pick (48th overall) in the 2009 draft out of Eastern Illinois University. He went 3-3 with a 4.75ERA and 57 strikeouts over 55 innings in 14 starts for the Orem Owlz in 2009. In his appearance prior to this evening, Kehrer pitched three scoreless innings of relief at Beloit on June 30. In his start prior to this evening, Kehrer beat Kane County on August 18 at home. Kehrer pitched six shutout innings, allowed three hits, walked three, and struck out eight for the win. Kehrer has made four appearances (two starts) against Wisconsin this season. He is 2-1 with a save in those three games versus the Rattlers. Kehrer has allowed 13 runs (nine earned) on 15 hits with 11 walks and 14 strikeouts over 17-2/3 innings pitched against Wisconsin in 2010. In his last start against the Timber Rattlers, Kehrer picked up the win on July 5 at Perfect Game Field. He allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts over five innings in a 13-5 Cedar Rapids victory.