9th Inning Home Run Lifts Traverse City over Normal
May 12, 2018 - Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
Normal CornBelters infielder Michael Centeno
(Normal CornBelters, Credit: Josh Hartsook)
NORMAL, Illinois - A one out 9th inning home run lifted Traverse City 8 to 7 over the CornBelters on Saturday (May 12) night.
"Today was a tough one, you know its one of those you games you look back and reflect on," said manager Billy Horn.
The CornBelters continued scoring out of the gates. Designated hitter Nick Cain and shortstop Santiago Chirino put together back-to-back singles in the bottom of the first. Cain would be brought in for the first run of the game by a sac fly from Chris Iriart for his third RBI of the season.
Traverse City took the lead after putting up runs in second and third off Matt Portland. The former Northwestern Wildcat lasted four innings and picked up six strikeouts along the way in his 2018 debut.
With Portland leaving the game early, first-year manager Billy Horn had to turn into his bullpen to complete the game and used five pitchers to eat up innings. Mark Hendricks would be called on first and the 6'2 lefty completed two, but some errors behind him let three Beach Bum runs score.
Trailing 5-1 in the bottom of the sixth, the CornBelter offense caught fire and scored five straight runs. The inning started off with four straight singles starting with veteran shortstop Santiago Chirino. He now only trails 43 hits behind Chris Sidick from setting the Frontier League Record in hits. Derek Loveless rounded out the fourth straight hit with an RBI single to bring in Chirino for his third of the season that forced the Beach Bums to make a pitching change. One pitch later, Tanner Lubach cleared the bases with a grand slam and gave the CornBelters a 6-5 lead. The former Angles draft pick already has hit two straight home runs this season and now has 5 RBIs
The Beach Bums responded in the next top half and along with a Normal error took back the lead 7-6.
In the bottom of the 7th, Nick Cain leadoff with a solo shot to right to tie the game at 7.
Both teams remained scoreless in the 8th until the Beach Bums knocked a one out home run in the 9th.
"We gave it away, we walked nine hitters and we didn't throw a lot of strikes," said Horn. "Matt (Portland) came out and didn't have his best stuff tonight, but he battled and Hendricks came out and had a great inning, walked a few guys and gave up a few hits and then we turn it over to Jose (Savinon) and I thought he threw the ball very well. There was a number of times I thought our guys punched out some of their guys and the calls didn't go our way, but we still need to battle back mentally and be able to throw strikes and get guys out. "
The CornBelters look to take the series tomorrow against Traverse City with first pitch at 6:05 p.m.
NEXT HOME GAME DETAILS
Sunday, May 13th is a Sunday Funday Mother's Day Special (gates open at 5:05 p.m. for a 6:05 first pitch). In observance of Mother's Day, fans that purchase one (1) Reserved Box Seat ticket ($10 each) will receive one (1) free ticket for Mom, plus a $5 concession gift certificate for her to use during the game. Fans can also purchase tickets using promo code "COUNTRY" and for $10 will receive a Reserved Box Seat, plus a voucher for a regular hot dog and small fountain soda. The Country Financial Agents of the Game are Marlon Elits, Darryl Tinges, and Curt Johnson, and it's also Ag Night at The Corn Crib!
Sundays are also Bark in the Park Days. Purchase a General Admission Lawn ticket for your furry friend, and the owner gets in free.
Images from this story
 Normal CornBelters infielder Michael Centeno (Josh Hartsook) |
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Frontier League Stories from May 12, 2018
- 9th Inning Home Run Lifts Traverse City over Normal - Normal CornBelters
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