ThunderBolts capture series opener over CornBelters

Posted on June 4, 2016

CornBeltersLogo630By WJBC Staff

NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters dropped a 4-2 decision to the Windy City ThunderBolts on Friday night at the Corn Crib.

The CornBelters struck first in the opening inning with a double to the left field corner by Dylan Kelly and an RBI single on a sinking liner to center by Aaron Dudley.

The ThunderBolts quickly countered in the second with three runs thanks to three hits and two walks with RBI doubles from Corey Bass to drive in a pair and a one-run two-base hit from Cody Keefer for a 3-1 lead.

The Belters tallied in the fourth when R.J. Perucki and Nolan Meadows hit consecutive doubles to left center field to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Windy City gained insurance in the ninth inning with a solo home run to left field by Corey Bass.

The Belters threatened in the ninth inning by putting two runners aboard with one out, but a diving stop started a game-ending double play.

Jake Fisher (3-0) earned the win with six innings on the hill, giving up two runs (earned) on seven hits with no walks and four strikeouts. Cameron Giannini pitched the ninth for his Frontier League-leading sixth save. Matthew Chavarria (0-2) took the loss in his first start, retiring 16 of his last 17 hitters after his second-inning trouble, lasting seven innings with three runs (earned) on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

The series continues Saturday with a 6:35 p.m. first pitch at the Corn Crib as the Belters send right-hander Eddie Cody (1-0, 7.20 ERA) to the mound while the Bolts counter with righty Ryan Strombom (2-0, 4.23). Broadcast time on WJBC.com is 6:20.

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