CornBelters end road trip on winning note

Posted on August 12, 2016

By WJBC Staff

MARION – The Normal CornBelters ended a nine-game road trip with a 6-2 win over the Southern Illinois Miners on Thursday night at Rent One Park.

The CornBelters advanced the scoreboard first with a pair of third-inning tallies when Ty Morris reached on an infield single, stole second and scored on a base hit up the middle by Santiago Chirino. Aaron Dudley doubled to left center to plate Chirino for the 2-0 lead.

The Belters added a run in the fifth inning when Chirino scored from third base when the Miners failed to turn a double play on a ground ball hit by Nolan Meadows.

The Miners cut their deficit to 3-2 in the fifth on a two-out, two-run bases-loaded single to left center by Shane Kennedy.

The CornBelters added three insurance runs in the ninth on a double by Morris and singles from Chirino and Dudley for the final score.

Chris Carmain (6-6) earned his fourth straight win with five-plus innings, giving up two earned runs on seven hits with four walks and one strikeout. Corey Sessions (0-2) took the loss with five innings of work, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Brennan Smith worked a perfect final two innings for his fourth save.

The CornBelters return home for a brief three-game homestand against the River City Rascals starting Friday at 6:35 p.m. at the Corn Crib. Right-hander Mike Elwood (1-2, 3.68 ERA) is scheduled to start on the mound for the Belters. CEFCU Fireworks Friday features a post-game sky show and Corny’s Birthday Bash as the team mascot celebrates with other area mascots. Broadcast time on WJBC.com is 6:20.

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