CRESTWOOD- The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, dropped the first game back from the All-Star break to the host Windy City ThunderBolts 4-2 on Friday night at Standard Bank Stadium.
The ThunderBolts loaded the bases in the third inning with one out and did not score, but loaded the bases again in the next frame with nobody out and plated a pair on an unusual play. A comebacker to Belters pitcher Charlie Gillies appeared to be a tailor-made 1-2-3 double play but Gillies threw the ball to the backstop to allow a run to score, and a second runner came home on the play as the Belters recorded an out at second base.
Windy City added a run in the sixth by loading the bases with three walks, two by Gillies and one by reliever Matt Chavarria, and runs scoring on a hit batsman and wild pitch to increase the lead to 4-0.
Down to their final out, Dillon Haupt homered to left to plate Aaron Dudley, who led off the ninth inning with a single, but could not come closer.
Brady Muller (2-5) earned the win, coming up one out short of his third complete game of the season, giving up two runs (earned) on six hits with two walks and eight strikeouts. Charlie Gillies (1-1) suffered the loss, throwing five and two-thirds innings with four runs (three earned) on six hits with five walks and seven strikeouts.
The series continues Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at Standard Bank Stadium as right-hander Mike Schweiss (3-4, 2.78 ERA) starts on the mound for the CornBelters while the ThunderBolts counter with lefty Jake Fisher (5-3, 3.95). The game can be heard on WJBC.com at 5:50.
While the Belters are on the road Saturday evening, former Cubs and Cardinals take to the Corn Crib field along with local celebrities for the McLean County Orthopedics Legends Game. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Saturday.
