CornBelters explode in 2 big innings in win over Freedom

Posted on August 7, 2015

CornBeltersLogo630By WJBC Staff

FLORENCE, Ky. – The Normal CornBelters exploded with big fourth and eighth innings and captured a 9-1 win over the Florence Freedom on Thursday at UC Health Stadium.

The CornBelters broke through with a six-run fourth inning, batting 11 men against Freedom starter Tony Vocca. Belters RBIs came from Cameron Monger, Mark Micowski, Santiago Chirino, Aaron Dudley and a two-run double by Sam Judah.

The Freedom answered in their fourth inning when Frazier Hall drew a lead-off walk, went to second on another base on balls, stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly to deep center by Ozzy Gonzalez to cut the Belters lead to 6-1.

The Belters added insurance with a delayed steal of home by Jason Merjano in the eighth inning followed by an RBI single from Chirino to score Micowski from second base and a bases-loaded walk to Richard Lucas for a 9-1 advantage.

Jake Negrete (1-0) earned the win with four innings of relief. Vocca (3-2) received the loss.

The CornBelters return home Friday for a big series against West-leading Rockford to begin a nine-game home stand. Righthanders Robert Baroniel (1-2, 3.55 ERA) for Normal and Kyle Hassna (8-2, 2.49) for Rockford are the projected starting pitchers. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. with broadcast time on WJBC.com at 6:20.

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