Not only did Angels pitching prospect Tyler Chatwood give up no runs and only one hit, he showed the best control since his promotion to A ball, walking only 2 while striking out 6. He outlasted Royals 2008 first round pick Michael Montgomery, who struck out 7 and walked 4 over only 4 and a third innings.
The game's only scoring began with an Anel De Los Santos single off of Burlington reliever Derrick Saito in the eighth. Speedster Ryan Groth came into the game to pinch run and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by third baseman Dwayne Bailey and single by center fielder Tyson Auer. Groth then scored on a double steal.
Three Kernels' relievers combined to shut Burlington down in the final three innings, sealing the deal for the Kernels. Wish I had been there.
Look for Cedar Rapids to take off one of these days - the nucleus of this team was the cream of last year's Pioneer League, and should be better than their current 17 and 19 record.
