Miners use middle-inning rallies to beat CornBelters

Posted on August 21, 2016

*Brief homestand concludes Sunday afternoon. (WJBC File Photo)*

By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters gave up a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth innings and lost 4-2 to the Southern Illinois Miners on Saturday night at the Corn Crib.

The CornBelters took the first lead in the second inning as Dillon Haupt led off with a double to right center, went to third on a bunt single by Justin Fletcher and scored on a fielder’s choice by Dylan Kelly.

The Miners used a two-out rally in the fifth to take a 2-1 lead on two singles and three walks. The guests extended the lead by starting the next frame with two base hits and a walk to load the bases followed by a two-run single to right by Aaron Gates to extend the lead to 4-1.

Rick Teasley (7-4) earned the win with eight-plus innings, giving up one earned run on six hits with no walks and two strikeouts. Charlie Gillies (5-3) took the loss with five-plus innings, surrendering four earned runs on seven walks and one strikeouts. Adam Lopez gave up a run in the ninth but earned his 10^th save.

The brief home stand concludes with a Sunday afternoon contest at the Corn Crib. The Miners are scheduled to start right-hander Corey Sessions (0-2, 3.92 ERA) on the mound while the Belters have not named their starter.

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