NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, picked up right where they left off on Saturday night at the Corn Crib, defeating the Rockford Aviators in a 11-0 onslaught.
The CornBelters took an early lead in the first inning when Mark Micowski came across home plate on a double play. Pat McKenna followed up with a solo shot to deep right field giving the Belters a 2-0 lead.
In the second inning, Cameron Monger led off the inning with a walk, stole second base and advanced to third base on a double play before stealing home pushing the Belters lead to 3-0.
In the third inning, Micowski came home on an error committed by Aviators starter Nick Grim (1-6). Santiago Chirino also came across home plate on a wild pitch. Later Monger hit a two-run single and Ozney Guillen slapped a base hit to bring in Monger making the score 8-0.
Grim was relieved early in the night by Roberto Padilla. Grim pitched two and one-third innings with five hits, one home run, three walks, one strikeout and seven earned runs.
In the fifth inning, the Belters added to their large lead when Micowski hit a single to bring in Guillen, pushing the lead to 10-0.
In the sixth inning, the Belters continued their onslaught when Monger hit an RBI single to bring in Aaron Dudley to drive the score to 11-0.
CornBelters starter Mike Schweiss (5-7) pitched a complete game shutout for the Belters, striking out 14 hitters while throwing a three-hitter with just one walk.
The Belters (40-31) now move one game behind the first-place Aviators (41-30) as the teams finish out the series on Sunday afternoon at 3:05. The Belters send Robert Baroniel (1-2, 3.55 ERA) to the hill while the Aviators counter with Tony Rizzotti (6-2, 3.22) in a battle of right-handers. Broadcast time on WEZC-FM 95.9 and WJBC.com is 2:50 with listen live links found on Facebook, Twitter (@normal_baseball) and www.normalbaseball.com.
THE NIBLET: The CornBelters offer great party options and group packages! To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact the CornBelters today at (309) 454-2255 (BALL) or stop by The Mid-Illini Credit Union Box Office at The Corn Crib during normal business hours.
Stay social with the CornBelters at http://twitter.com/normal_baseball, http://www.facebook.com/CornBelters and http://www.youtube.com/normalcornbelters.
