[dropcap]D[/dropcap]espite coming down to the final out two different times, the Cedar Rapids Kernels were able to rally in the 12th inning to defeat the West Michigan Whitecaps by a final score of 7-6 and avoid being swept for the series.
West Michigan (9-7) ended up splitting their six-game road trip, with all three losses coming via one-run defeats in extra innings. With the win, Cedar Rapids (9-7) was able to end their four-game losing streak.
Entering the bottom of the ninth, the Whitecaps led 5-4 when left-handed pitcher Joe Mantiply took the mound. Mantiply retired the first two batters he faced, but then B.K. Santy hit a game-tying home run to left field.
In the top of the 10th, Wynton Bernard put the Whitecaps back on top yet again. After leading off with a walk, Bernard stole both second and third base. A base hit off the bat of Jose Zambrano scored Bernard and gave the ‘Caps a 6-5 lead going into the bottom of the inning.
But it was deja vu again for West Michigan, as Mantiply once again allowed the Kernels to tie the score despite retiring the first two hitters he faced. Jason Kanzler started the rally with a bunt single and scored after when pinch-hitter Mitch Garver doubled to left-center field.
The score remained tied at 6-6 until the Kernels were able to score in the bottom of the 12th off Montreal Robertson, winning with a walk-off double off the bat of Kanzler.
Brandon Peterson (1-0) got the win for the Kernels throwing 2.1 innings and not allowing a run.
The Whitecaps will return to Fifth Third Park on Monday, as they host the Bowling Green Hot Rods with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m. RHP Jeff Thompson (0-0 5.14) is scheduled to start for the Whitecaps against RHP German Marquez (0-1 0.96) for the Hot Rods.
