By WJBC Staff
SCHAUMBURG – The Normal CornBelters rallied in the ninth inning but lost 4-1 to the Schaumburg Boomers on Saturday night at Boomers Stadium.
The Boomers scored first by plating three runs in the third inning. James Keller led off with a single and went to third on a Zack Weigel base hit, then scored on a double by Jordan Dean. With runners on second and third, a throw from Belters catcher Dylan Kelly attempting to pick off the runner at third glanced off the batter’s helmet and into the third base dugout, allowing two runs to score on the two-base award for a 3-0 Schaumburg lead.
The hosts extended the advantage to 4-0 in the sixth inning on a solo home run to right field by Paul Kronenfeld.
The Belters put two runners on in the ninth inning and scored one on pinch-hit single by Craig Lepre but could muster nothing further.
Gunnar Kines (3-2) picked up the win with seven and two-thirds innings of shutout work, giving up seven hits with one walk while striking out five. Mike Schweiss (2-4) went seven innings on the mound and took the loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.
The series continues Saturday with a 6 p.m. first pitch at Boomers Stadium as the Belters send lefty Max Homick (4-3, 3.53 ERA) to the mound while the Boomers counter with right-hander Kagen Hopkins (3-1, 2.28). Broadcast time on WJBC.com is 5:50.
