By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, gave up an unearned run in the 10th inning and lost to the Gateway Grizzlies 3-2 on Wednesday at the Corn Crib.
The Grizzlies put their first three runners aboard in the third inning and scored on a double play and a Blake Brown RBI single for an early 2-0 advantage.
The CornBelters answered in their third inning when Cameron Monger reached via error, went to second on a walk, stole third and came home on an RBI ground out by Pat McKenna to cut their deficit to 2-1.
The Belters knotted the game at 2-2 in the seventh when Dylan Kelly led off with a double, went to third on a Cameron Monger base hit and scored on a shallow fly to left when the fielders collided after the catch, preventing a throw.
The Grizzlies grabbed their first win of 2015 on an unearned run in the 10th inning as Rolando Gomez walked with one out, stole second and came home on an errant throw trying to retire his attempted steal at third base.
Brett Zawacki (1-0) pitched the final two innings and received the win. Stephen Frey (0-1) took the loss in relief.
The series concludes Thursday with a 6:35 p.m. first pitch as the CornBelters send Kevin Johnson (0-0, 1.80 ERA) to the mound while the Grizzlies counter with JaVaun West (0-0, 3.00) in a match-up of right-handers. The game can be heard on WJBC-AM 1230 and WJBC.com beginning at 6:20. Miller Thirst Quenching Thursday features $1 select draft beers and $2 margaritas and craft beers. The home stand continues through Sunday as the Washington Wild Things visit Normal.
