Mitchell Kernels foiled by Harrisburg pitching in doubleheader sweep

Apr. 16—Mitchell High School struggled to solve Harrisburg's starting pitchers in a doubleheader sweep Thursday.

Tiger starting pitchers Sam Rabern and Will Simmons did not allow an earned run on a combined six hits and 15 strikeouts, taking down the Kernels in 6-3 and 9-1 contests at Cadwell Park. Harrisburg also jumped out to 5-0 leads in both contests.

Game 1 saw Harrisburg score five runs in the top of the third after Mitchell (3-3) allowed three consecutive walks, including one with the bases loaded, before Ben Loos drove in three with a double.

Rabern allowed four hits and a walk in six innings, while fanning eight. But the Kernels were able to capitalize on erratic relief pitching, as three-straight walks loaded the bases and Mason Geraets was hit by a pitch to score the team's first run. Parker Bollinger brought in a run with an RBI single and Dylan Soulek had a sacrifice fly, but a fielder's choice ended the game with runners on the corners.

Ethan Price and Seth Muth combined to strike out 10 batters for the Kernels, while giving up five earned runs on six hits and five walks.

The second game saw Harrisburg (12-0) score five runs in the opening frame after Mitchell allowed five walks, including three with two outs. Lincoln Carlson eventually drove in a pair of runs with a single.

The Kernels got on the board with an error in the second, but the Tigers tacked on four more runs in the fourth. Simmons gave up one unearned run on two hits and struck out seven in 4 2/3 innings.

Jace Larson did not allow an earned run on one hit in four innings of relief, while striking out four. Starter Landon Waddell went three innings, giving up seven earned runs on two hits and six walks and struck out five.

Mitchell hosts Douglas in a doubleheader Friday at 5 p.m. Cadwell Park.