By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters gave up early runs and were never able to recover in a 7-4 loss on Wednesday night to the Traverse City Beach Bums.
The Beach Bums started scoring in the first inning with a one-out RBI double from third baseman Jose Vargas. Outfielder Brandon Jacobs added to the Bums lead with a two-out RBI single. The Belters would counter when first baseman Aaron Dudley drove in shortstop Pat McKenna on a two-out RBI single.
Vargas led off the third inning for the Beach Bums with a solo shot to left field. Designated hitter Reggie Lawson added to the Bums total with a two-run homer to left as well, making the score 5-1. In the Belters half of the inning, McKenna homered to center field on a two-run shot.
After only three and two third inning Belters starter Kevin Brahney (4-2) was relieved by Johnny Fageaux. Brahney allowed nine hits, two homers, walked two, and struck out two Beach Bums.
In the fifth inning, outfielder Mark Micowski hit a solo homer to right field, cutting the Bums lead to 5-4.
In the sixth inning, Bums starter Alex Phillips (1-1) came off the mound and Michael Shreves took his place. Phillips posted six hits, two of which were home runs, two walks, and two strikeouts.
In the seventh inning, Outfielder Greg Harisis extended the Bums lead with a two-out RBI double. Harisis reached home off of a wild pitch, making the score 7-4.
In the ninth inning, Beach Bums closer Andrew Brockett cemented the save despite allowing a hit and walk. This was Brockett’s eighth save of the year.
The CornBelters (16-12) will attempt to avoid the sweep on Thursday when they face the Beach Bums (18-9) at 6:35 p.m. Chris Carmain (3-2, 4.03 ERA) starts for the Belters against the Bums Luis DeJesus (3-1, 1.30) in a match-up of right-handers. Broadcast time on WJBC-AM 1230 and WJBC.com is 6:20.
