By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters held onto an early lead on Tuesday night to defeat the Schaumburg Boomers 4-3 at the Corn Crib.
The CornBelters were the first team on the board when first baseman Aaron Dudley hit an RBI single bringing in Santiago Chirino. Third baseman Richard Lucas also recorded a sacrifice fly when he hit into center field allowing Pat McKenna to come home giving the Belters a first inning 2-0 lead.
The Boomers retaliated in the second inning by recording three hits to lead off the inning. Boomers third baseman T.J. Bennett hit a single to left field which brought in Alexi Colon.
The Belters padded their lead when Chirino hit a two-out RBI single to left field bringing in Austin Wright, making the score 3-1. The run was a controversial one however as a messed up order call was given to get Jim Vahalik out yet not for Wright who could have also been called out.
In the third inning Lucas hit a solo shot to the left field berm to make the score 4-1.
In the fifth inning, CornBelters starter Mike Schweiss threw a wild pitch which brought in Bennett, making the score 4-2.
Boomers starter Scotty Ward (1-1) ended his night on the mound after four innings. Ward allowed six hits, one home run and three walks.
In the sixth inning, Schaumburg inched closer to the CornBelters when Colon hit an RBI double to deep center field bringing in second baseman Jordan Dean to make the score 4-3.
After seven innings, Schweiss (4-5) came off the mound. Schweiss allowed nine hits while recording five strikeouts.
In the ninth inning, Belters closer Race Parmenter came out to the mound. Despite allowing one hit, Parmenter secured his ninth save of the season.
The CornBelters (28-18) face the Boomers (20-26) in Game 2 of the series Wednesday afternoon at 12:35 p.m. Lefty Stephen Frey (1-1, 2.84 ERA) starts for the Belters as the Boomers counter with right-hander Brett Mabry (3-2, 3.42). Pre-game on WJBC.com is at 12:20.
