Metro Sports Report

Kernels' lead down to percentage points

DAVENPORT - The Cedar Rapids Kernels have accomplished some great things during the first half of the Midwest League campaign, but now the chase is on for the title.

Yes, folks, we have ourselves a pennant race.

The Kernels lost to the Quad Cities River Bandits, 8-4, Tuesday night before 4,679 fans at Modern Woodmen Park and fell into a virtual tie with the Beloit Snappers for first place in the Western Division.

The Kernels have a 39-24 record for a winning percentage of .6190476. Beloit, which defeated Wisconsin Tuesday night, is sitting at 40-25 for a winning percentage of .6153846.

Local players in pro baseball

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)) - Did not play Tuesday in the Quakes' 6-3 loss at Lake Elsinore. Season stats: G - 51, Avg. - .254, AB - 185, H - 47, HR - 6, RBI - 24, SB - 6.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (Blue Jays)) - Started at first base Tuesday and was 0-for-4 in the Lugnuts' 4-3 loss to South Bend. Also was 1-for-4  in suspended game for April 12 completed Tuesday. Season stats: G - 51, Avg. - .187, AB - 171, H - 32, HR - 3, RBI - 14, SB - 0.

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Chicago Cubs) - Started in center field Tuesday and was 2-for-3 in the Cubs' 12-2 loss to the Reds. Season stats: G - 27, Avg. - .345, AB - 55, H - 19, HR - 1, RBI - 5, SB - 0.

Logemann will pitch at Miami (Ohio)

Kirkwood All-American pitcher Amber Logemann has accepted an offer to play softball at Miami of Ohio next season.

Logemann led No.3 Kirkwood (57-5) to the semifinals of the NJCAA Division II national tournament this year with a 27-4 record and 0.58 ERA.

She led the nation with 356 strikeouts in 180.1 innings and also led the nation in earned run average.

Logemann, from Earlham, allowed only 79 hits and walked just 34 batters. She spent one year at Kirkwood and will be a sophomore at Miami (Ohio).

J-Hawks, Saints split a family affair

It was Ken Charipar Memorial Night at Xavier for the Mississippi Valley Conference doubleheader between Jefferson and the Saints Monday evening.

The event had special meaning for both baseball clubs.

One of Charipar’s grandsons, Corbin Woods, plays shortstop for Xavier. Another grandson, Kyle Rodenkirk, is the head coach for Jefferson.

In addition, a number of players from both teams played youth baseball for the late Ken Charipar and the results Monday at Ken Charipar Field were appropriate enough.

The J-Hawks and Saints split the twinbill. Jefferson won the first game, 10-3, and Xavier took the nightcap, 14-4, in six innings.