Fort Wayne TinCaps vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels series preview

The Fort Wayne TinCaps return to Parkview Field on Tuesday to start a six-game series with the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

This is the only time the two clubs are scheduled to meet during the regular season.

Cedar Rapids is the High-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.  The Kernels are coming off a series where they hosted the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The Kernel’s took the first game of the series before losing the next three, which included being no-hit on Saturday’s seven-inning makeup game.

The TinCaps are returning home after an interesting series with the South Bend Cubs. That series was an emotional roller coaster that featured blown leads, a bench-clearing brawl, and unseasonably cold weather. Returning home and starting a new series should be a relief for the TinCaps.

Below we take a look at what the TinCaps can expect to see from the Cedar Rapids Kernels. We also give you keys to a successful series, and highlight individual top performers.

Kernels Offensive Report:

Offensively the Kernel’s average only 3.87 runs per game, which ranks near the bottom in the High-A Central League.  They are also near the bottom of the league in stolen bases and sacrifices. Although they are near the bottom in runs scored per game, stolen bases, and sacrifices, they lead the league in walks taken and home runs. That means when they do score. They score in bunches.

Kernels Pitching & Defensive Report:

By High-A Central standards, the Kernels are average in nearly every defensive category. Their pitching staff does lead the league in total strikeouts and average strikeouts per 9 innings. The TinCaps should expect much of the same this series from the Kernels.

Keys to a Successful Series: 

Getting ahead in the count and locating pitches. So far, the TinCaps have allowed the 3rd most home runs in the league while Cedar Rapids has hit the most home runs. If those statistical trends continue,  it will not be good series for the TinCaps. However, with Cedar Rapids not stealing bases or sacrificing runners into scoring position thus far, the TinCaps benefit with the ability to focus on pitch quality and location.

Players To Watch:

Matt Canterino– Cedar Rapids SP- He was the 54th overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft out of Rice. He has started four games this year and has a record of 1-0. He has an ERA of 1.0 in 18 innings pitched. Opponents are batting .154 off the right-hander. He has struck out ten batters in each of his last two starts.

[wpedon id=”49075″ align=”right”]

Tirso Ornelas– TinCaps OF- Ranked as the Padres 18th top prospect. Tirso is tied for the team’s most hits and leads the TinCaps with nine doubles. He also leads the team in strike-out percentage per at-bat. His batting average is currently .250.

Series:

Location: Parkview Field Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Watch/Listen: ESPN 1380 Fort Wayne, or MiLB.tv

• 6/1/21- Cedar Rapids @ Fort Wayne 7:05 PM EDT.
• 6/2/21- Cedar Rapids @ Fort Wayne 7:05 PM EDT.
• 6/3/21- Cedar Rapids @ Fort Wayne 7:05 PM EDT.
• 6/4/21- Cedar Rapids @ Fort Wayne 7:05 PM EDT.
• 6/5/21- Cedar Rapids @ Fort Wayne 6:35 PM EDT.
• 6/6/21- Cedar Rapids @ Fort Wayne 1:05 PM EDT.

Notes:

• Mike Trout is a notable alumnus for Cedar Rapids who played in the All-Star game that took place at Parkview Field in 2010.
• From 1993- 1998 the then Fort Wayne Wizards were the Low-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. They played their games at the now-demolished Memorial Stadium.

Mitch J. Brunner

I was born, raised, and still reside in the Hoosier state. I am a 2008 graduate of Ivy Tech Community College. I am married to my beautiful wife Kristen, father to Garrett, with another child on the way. A baseball enthusiast covering the Fort Wayne TinCaps, High A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.