Two homers not enough to lift Kernels past the Bees - KWWL.com

Despite home runs from Abel baker and Gary Mitchell, the Kernels fell to Burlington, 4-2, on Monday night in Cedar Rapids.

Baker gave the Kernels the early 1-0 lead in the second inning with a solo shot to right field.

That lead lasted until the fourth inning when Burlington's Bobby Crocker hit a triple off the left-center wall with the bases loaded to give Burlington the 3-1 lead.

Mitchell hit his solo home run in the sixth inning to cut Burlington's lead to 3-2.  It was Mitchell's ninth homer of the season.

The Bees added their final run in the top of the ninth when Nick Rickles hit a single, scoring Rashun Dixon from second, giving the Bees the 4-2 win.

Kernels starter Frank De Jiulio started the game by retiring the first 11 Burlington batters in a row.  He ended up taking loss after giving up three runs on two hits, with six strikeouts and two walks in five innings. 

Mike Johnson pitched three innings for the Kernels.  He allowed no runs on one hit while striking out four and walking one.

Logan Odom closed things out, pitching one inning.  He allowed one run on two hits while striking out one.

The Kernels and Bees play game two of their three-game series on Tuesday evening at 6:35 p.m.