Miners use long ball to top CornBelters

Posted on May 23, 2016

By WJBC Staff

NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters surrendered two three-run homers and lost 9-3 to the Southern Illinois Miners on Sunday at the Corn Crib.

The Belters welcomed Miners newcomer Dan Ludwig with a home run to right center field as Mike Fish took the second pitch over the fence.

The Miners hit their own long ball in the sixth inning to take a 3-1 lead when Steve Marino slammed a three-run home run to the left field grass.

The CornBelters cut the deficit to 3-2 in the seventh inning when Dillon Haupt doubled with one out and scored on a Nolan Meadows double that hopped over the fence inside the right field pole.

Southern Illinois padded their advantage to 6-2 in the eighth with another three-run homer as Aaron Gates hit a no-doubter to the right field berm.

Normal cut their margin to 6-3 in their eighth thanks to a lead-off double by Ty Morris and an RBI single up the middle by Fish.

The Miners loaded the bases in the ninth with two singles and two walks, then walked in a run followed by a two-run double by Alex De Leon for insurance and a 9-3 lead.

Ludwig (1-0) earned the win with 6 1/3 inning with two runs (earned) on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Jake Negrete (0-2) took the loss with six innings of work, giving up three runs (earned) on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

The CornBelters take Monday off before beginning a six-game road trip to the St. Louis area, visiting the Gateway Grizzlies Tuesday through Thursday before a weekend series at the River City Rascals. The Belters return home for a six-game stand at the Corn Crib May 31 through June 5.

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