Workman's Debut Performance Leads Kernels in Walk-off Win

Courtesy: Cedar Rapids Kernels

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By James Steward

Story Created: Aug 23, 2011 at 10:41 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 23, 2011 at 10:41 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Andy Workman didn't waste any time making an impact in his first game as a Cedar Rapids Kernel.

Trailing the Peoria Chiefs, 3-0, the 2011 draft pick came on to pinch hit in the seventh inning and delivered in a big way, belting a three-run home run in his first at-bat with his new squad.

Workman didn't stop there, singling home Brandon Decker with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth to give the Kernels a walk-off victory, 4-3, over the Chiefs Tuesday night at Perfect Game Field.

The win extended Cedar Rapids' win streak to five games - tying its longest streak of the 2011 campaign.

Dakota Robinson (10-2) earned the win for the Kernels, pitching two innings of no-hit baseball in relief. Donn Roach also tossed 0.2 innings for the Kernels out of the bullpen, striking out two.

Kernels starter Jairo Diaz didn't factor into the decision, but pitched well, allowing just two earned runs and five hits over 6.1 innings of work.

Peoria got on the scoreboard first thanks to a two-run home run by Chiefs first baseman Richard Jones in the fourth inning.

The Chiefs took a 3-0 lead in the ballgame in the sixth inning. Rubi Silva tripled to lead off the inning and eventually came around to score on groundout by Dustin Geiger.

Workman took over from there for the Kernels, guiding the team to a comeback win and a series sweep of the Chiefs.

Yohan Gonzalez (5-6) took the loss for Peoria, pitching 1.2 innings while allowing three hits and three earned runs.

The Kernels now open up a three game series with Clinton on Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

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