The newest Kernels
The Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kernels’ lineup Tuesday night wasn’t all young Class A ballplayers still looking for their ticket to the major leagues. The Twins’ Joe Mauer and Ricky Nolasco became temporary Kernels, trying to get in a few swings and pitches on a rehabilitation assignment before returning to the bigs. Here’s how they did:
• Mauer, recovering from an oblique muscle strain, went 1-for-3 with a run scored before being removed in the fourth inning.
• The “Mauer Mania” effect boosted attendance to about 4,300 fans, or more than double what the Kernels usually would get.
• Nolasco, out because of an elbow injury since July 7, pitched 3⅔ scoreless innings. He gave up two hits while striking out two and walking one.