By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters signed pitcher Brad Orosey Thursday afternoon and started him the same night but were unable to prevent the sweep as the Traverse City Beach Bums captured a 6-3 win.
The Beach Bums scored in the first inning for the third night in a row when first baseman Yazy Arbelo hit a two-run homer to centerfield. The Belters would answer in the bottom of the opening frame with a solo home run off of shortstop Pat McKenna.
The Bums continued to show their power in the second inning when outfielder Jeff DeBlieux hit a two-run homer to right field, making the score 4-1.
The Bums added to their lead in the fifth inning with a Jose Vargas sacrifice fly. The run would remove Belters starter Orosey from the mound, bringing Stephen Frey to the mound. Orosey had five hits, one homer and two walks in four and two-third innings while striking out three batters.
The Belters cut the deficit to three runs in their half of the inning when lead-off hitter Cameron Monger hit a deep ball out to left field.
In the sixth inning, Beach Bums starter Luis DeJesus (4-1) ended his night as Scott Vachon came out in relief. DeJesus had six hits, two homers, three walks and one strikeout in six and one-third innings.
The Beach Bums continued pouring onto the Belters in the seventh inning when outfielder Jay Austin hit an RBI double. In the Belters half, outfielder Sam Judah brought in McKenna on a two-out RBI single, making the game 6-3.
In the ninth inning, closer Andrew Brockett came out for Traverse City and recorded his ninth save of the season.
The Beach Bums captured their club-record ninth straight win. The Belters stranded 13 baserunners in the loss.
The Normal Cornbelters (16-13) look to bounce back after dropping the first three games in this homestand when they take on Lake Erie (10-17) on Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. Chris Carmain (3-2, 4.03 ERA) starts on the hill for the CornBelters while the Crushers counter with Hunter Adkins (0-2, 1.98) in a battle of right-handers. Broadcast time on WJBC.com is 6:20.
