ThunderBolts strike late to beat CornBelters

Posted on July 23, 2017
The Windy City ThunderBolts scored two runs in the eighth inning to secure a 4-2 win against the CornBelters. (WJBC File Photo)

By Greg Halbleib

NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, gave up a pair of runs in the eighth inning and lost 4-2 to the Windy City ThunderBolts on Saturday night at the Corn Crib.

The ThunderBolts struck right away, taking advantage of three hits and two walks to score twice in the opening frame with both runs scoring on a flare to shallow right field by Tim Zier.

The CornBelters finally broke through in the fifth inning with three straight hits, a single by Craig Lepre, a double by Ty Morris and a two-run double to the right field corner by Diego Cedeno to knot the score at 2-2.

Windy City broke the tie in the eighth inning by loading the bases with one out and scoring a pair on a long single to center by Corey Bass.

Patrick Ledet earned the win in relief for his first decision. Charlie Gillies (4-6) took the loss with seven and one-third innings, giving up four earned runs on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Brian Loconsole worked the ninth inning for his Frontier League-leading 21st save.

The series concludes Sunday with a 4:35 p.m. contest at the Corn Crib as the Belters send lefty Scott Sebald (5-1, 3.35 ERA) to the mound while the Bolts give the ball to right-hander T.J. Santiago (1-2, 5.16).

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