CLINTON - The Clinton LumberKings topped the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 7-5, Saturday night before 3,125 fans at Ashford University Field in the opener of a three-game series.

Mitch Garver and Jonatan Hinojosa had three hits for the Kernels and Garver had two RBIs, both times driving in Hinojosa.

The teams meet Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Kernels jumped in front 1-0 in the first inning when Garver's RBI single to left plated Hinojosa from second base. Hinojosa led off the game with a single and advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Tanner Vavra.

The LumberKings took a 6-1 lead with a five-run fourth inning, sending 10 batters to the plate.

The Kernels cut into the deficit with a pair of runs in the sixth inning, making the score 6-3. The Kernels loaded the bases with a walk and two singles.

Logan Wade reached on an RBI fielder's choice, scoring Alex Swim to make it 6-2. A throwing error by shortstop Nelson Ward allowed Garver to come home.

Clinton picked up another run in the bottom of the sixth inning, extending its lead to 7-3.

The Kernels tallied twice in the seventh, pulling within 7-5. They loaded the bases with singles from Michael Quesada, Zack Larson and

Hinojosa. Larson scored on Swim's RBI fielder's choice. Hinojosa came home when Garver ripped an RBI single into left field.

Stephen Gonsalves (2-3) started for the Kernels (72-66) and allowed six runs on six hits in 3.2 innings for the loss. He struck out six and walked five.

Josue Montanez went 2.1 innings in relief, allowing one unearned run on one hit while striking out four and walking none. Brian Gilbert tossed two scoreless and hitless innings, striking out three and walking one.

KERNELS (5): Hinojosa, 3b, 5 2 3 0, Vavra, 2b, 4 0 0 0, Swim, rf, 4 1 1 1, Garver, c, 5 1 3 2, Williams, dh, 4 0 1 0, Wade, lf, 4 0 0 1, Walker, ss, 3 0 1 0, Quesada, 1b, 4 0 1 0, Larson, cf, 3 1 1 0. Totals 36 5 11 4.

CLINTON (7): Barbosa, cf, 3 2 1 1, Peguero, 2b, 5 1 1 1, O'Neill, rf, 4 0 1 3, Seager, 3b, 4 0 1 1, DeCarlo, 1b, 4 0 0 0, Thomas, lf, 4 1 1 0,Martinez, dh, 2 1 0 0, Carmichael, c, 4 1 2 1, Ward, ss, 2 1 0 0. Totals 32 7 7 7.

Kernels    100 002 200 - 5 11 3
Clinton     010 501 00x - 7  7 1

Gonsalves, Montanez (4), Gilbert (7) and Garver. Kim, Pereira (6), Herb (7) and Carmichael. W - Kim (2-3). L - Gonsalves (2-3). S - Herb (1). E - Hinojosa 2 (8), Montanez (3), Ward (2). T - 2:53. A - 3,125.