MARION– The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, struck early and never trailed to support a complete game from Chris Carmain in winning their second straight game, a 5-1 victory over the Southern Illinois Miners on Saturday night at Rent One Park.
The CornBelters continued the trend of scoring right away as the first three hitters, Santiago Chirino, Dylan Kelly and Dillon Haupt, hit the first three pitches from Miners starter Dyllon Nuernberg for singles. Chirino and Kelly scored on a ball hit up the middle by Aaron Dudley that was misplayed for an error, and Haupt scored on a double play for a quick 3-0 Normal lead.
The Miners answered with a run in the second inning as Steve Marino traveled around the bases via two fielder’s choices and two singles to cut their deficit to 3-1.
Nolan Meadows hit his fourth home run of the week and eighth of the season, a two-run drive into the Belters’ right field bullpen, to put the guests ahead 5-1 in the fourth inning.
The Miners loaded the bases in the ninth inning but failed to tally.
Carmain (2-3) recorded his second straight win with the CornBelters’ first complete game of the season, giving up one earned run on eight hits with two walks and five strikeouts. Nuernberg (2-1) took the loss, also working seven innings while giving up five runs (three earned) on six hits, no walks and three strikeouts.
The series continues Saturday at 7:05 p.m. as lefty Rick Teasley (3-1, 2.70 ERA) starts for the Miners while the CornBelters starter has not been announced. The game can be heard on WJBC.com