Cedar Rapids Kernels Take Game One Over South Bend Cubs, 10–4

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — The South Bend Cubs couldn’t overcome early and late surges from the Cedar Rapids Kernels, falling 10–4 in the series opener Tuesday night.

Cedar Rapids jumped on Cubs starter Tyler Schlaffer right away, plating four runs in the first inning. Schlaffer lasted just one frame before giving way to Conner Schultz, who provided 3.1 innings of steady relief, allowing only one run. Carlo Reyes followed and tossed two scoreless innings to keep South Bend within striking distance.

The Cubs fought back in the fourth, erupting for four runs to tie the game. Jefferson Rojas launched his first home run of the season — a two-run shot — and Reginald Preciado added a two-RBI single to center, scoring Andy Garriola and Reivaj Garcia. South Bend added pressure on the bases with two double steals in the inning and finished the game with six stolen bases.

However, the momentum shifted again in the bottom of the seventh. Evan Taylor made his South Bend debut and struggled, issuing a leadoff walk before surrendering a two-run homer to Gabriel Gonzalez. Taylor allowed five runs in the frame as the Kernels pulled away for good.

Despite strong offensive efforts, including Preciado’s first three-hit game of the year, the Cubs were stifled by Cedar Rapids’ defense, which turned four double plays to squash potential rallies.

Final Score: Cedar Rapids 10, South Bend 4

Cedar Rapids Kernels Take Game One Over South Bend Cubs, 10&ndash;4
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA &mdash; The South Bend Cubs couldn&rsquo;t overcome early and late surges from the Cedar Rapids Kernels, falling 10&ndash;4 in the series opener Tuesday night.
Cedar Rapids jumped on Cubs starter Tyler Schlaffer right away, plating four runs in the first inning. Schlaffer lasted just one frame before giving way to Conner Schultz, who provided 3.1 innings of steady relief, allowing only one run. Carlo Reyes followed and tossed two scoreless innings to keep South Bend within striking distance.
The Cubs fought back in the fourth, erupting for four runs to tie the game. Jefferson Rojas launched his first home run of the season &mdash; a two-run shot &mdash; and Reginald Preciado added a two-RBI single to center, scoring Andy Garriola and Reivaj Garcia. South Bend added pressure on the bases with two double steals in the inning and finished the game with six stolen bases.
However, the momentum shifted again in the bottom of the seventh. Evan Taylor made his South Bend debut and struggled, issuing a leadoff walk before surrendering a two-run homer to Gabriel Gonzalez. Taylor allowed five runs in the frame as the Kernels pulled away for good.
Despite strong offensive efforts, including Preciado&rsquo;s first three-hit game of the year, the Cubs were stifled by Cedar Rapids&rsquo; defense, which turned four double plays to squash potential rallies.
Final Score: Cedar Rapids 10, South Bend 4

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