A Kernels Day in Photos

I’m traveling for work the first half of this week, so I won’t really have an opportunity to write a regular weekly update on the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Perhaps it’s just as well, though, because the Twins’ Midwest League affiliate did not have a real good week.

The Kernels dropped from the second spot in the MWL Western Division standings all the way to the cellar, as they endured an eight-game losing streak.

That losing streak ended Sunday in Burlington, however. Cedar Rapids topped the Bees 7-6. As a bonus, the win lifted the Kernels out of the MWL West basement.

Since I don’t have anything exciting to write about this week, I thought the least I could do is provide a few pictures of the game on Sunday. I had hoped to take more, but it turns out there are very few spots where you can take pictures at the Burlington ballpark that aren’t behind netting.

Some of the photos are a bit blurry. I hoped they just looked blurry on Sunday because I was having a few beers at the game, but no, they’re still a little blurry.

3B Bryan Haar and SP Ethan Mildren
3B Bryan Haar and SP Ethan Mildren
Manager Jake Mauer coaching 3B in the first inning. That's something he would not be doing by the 9th inning, however.
Manager Jake Mauer coaching 3B in the first inning. That’s something he would not be doing by the end of the game, however. Mauer was ejected in the 7th inning following a heated discussion with the umpires over a balk call.
Leadoff hitter JD Williams
Leadoff hitter JD Williams
Tanner Vavra pulling in to 2B with a double
Tanner Vavra pulling in to 2B with a double
Tanner Vavra chats with manager Jake Mauer. Vavra would ultimately be stranded at 3B.
Tanner Vavra chats with manager Jake Mauer. Vavra would ultimately be stranded at 3B.
Chad Christensen
Chad Christensen
Ivory Thomas
Ivory Thomas
Mitch Garver
Mitch Garver
Joel Licon
Joel Licon
Bryan Haar
Bryan Haar
Bo Altobelli
Bo Altobelli
Michael Quesada
Michael Quesada
Ethan Mildren
Ethan Mildren
Tommy Watkins took over 3B coaching duties following Mauer's ejection.
Tommy Watkins took over 3B coaching duties following Mauer’s ejection. Two runs scored in the 9th inning with Watkins and his bubble gumĀ in charge.
Tommy Watkins gets a close-up look as Chad Christensen tags up and scores on a sac fly for the Kernels' final run.
Tommy Watkins gets a close-up look as Chad Christensen tags up and scores on a sac fly for the Kernels’ final run.