Chiefs complete sweep of Kernels

Posted on June 13, 2016

By WJBC Staff

PEORIA – The Peoria Chiefs swept the Cedar Rapids Kernels with a 3-1 victory Sunday evening. The win propels the Chiefs to a 36-27 record and they lead the Clinton LumberKings by 1 ½ games with seven games left in the first half.

Cedar Rapids took an early lead against Chiefs starter Ryan Helsley. With one out AJ Murray reached on an error, Nelson Molina walked and Chris Ibarra singled to load the bases. JJ Fernandez brought home Murray on a sac fly to give the Kernels a 1-0 advantage.

The Chiefs took the lead in the third against Cedar Rapids starter Dereck Rodriguez, son of former MLB All-Star Ivan Rodriguez. Craig Aikin drew a lead-off walk, advanced to second on a sac bunt and moved to third on a groundout. With two outs, Eli Alvarez singled to tie the game at 1-1. Brian O’Keefe walked, Chris Chinea singled and Jose Godoy lined a two-run single into right-center field to give the Chiefs a 3-1 lead.

Helsley (6-1) got the win pitching six innings allowing one run on five hits while striking out seven and walking one. Harley Holt pitched two shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out two. Steven De La Cruz picked up his second save as he allowed one hit and struck out one in the ninth.

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