Loons Take Series from Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Josh Wall pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings for the victory and Juan Rivera added a two-run homerun, scoring a pair of crucial runs, and the Great Lakes Loons defeated the Cedar Rapids Kernels 5-3 in the series finale. The Loons took 3-of-4 in the series from the Kernels.

Wall (6-9) allowed five hits through 5 1/3 and did not allow a run in the game. Blake Brannon followed with 1 1/3 perfect innings.

The Loons struck for single runs in the first, second and fourth innings. In the first, second baseman Ryan Mount’s errant throw led to an unearned run. Then in the second, Juan Apodaca singled home Brian Matthews to give the Loons’ a 2-0 cushion. Apodaca grounded into a double play his next time up in the fourth inning, but with the bases loaded and none out, the play netted a run for the Loons and gave them a three-run lead.

Juan Rivera struck for his second homer of the roadtrip and third of the season in the seventh inning, scoring Trayvon Robinson and giving the Loons a 5-0 lead.

Cedar Rapids never gave up in the game, however. They struck for three runs (one earned) in the eighth inning off Arismendy Castillo. Then in the ninth against closer Miguel Ramirez, they loaded the bases with two outs. But Ramirez induced a fly ball to left field by Abel Nieves to preserve the Loons victory.

The Loons finish the season 6-2 against Cedar Rapids. The series win over the Kernels was just the second series win for the Loons in the second half of the season.

Game Notes: Before the ballgame, the Loons activated 1B/OF James Peterson from the disabled list. In a corresponding move, 1B Rick Taloa was placed on the DL with a strained left quad. Peterson was the designated hitter in Lance Parrish’s lineup Tuesday and went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts.

The Loons have an off day Wednesday then return to Dow Diamond for the first of a two game series against the Dayton Dragons. Game time is 7:05pm. Lawn tickets remain for Thursday’s game. Friday’s contest is sold out. The Loons have just 11 home games remaining in their 2007 inaugural season.