Another Strong Rascals Start Downs CornBelters
August 18, 2018 - Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
O'FALLON, Mo. - The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, surrendered their second straight big opening inning and could not rally in a 5-3 loss to the River City Rascals on Saturday night at CarShield Field.
Although the Belters struck first in their initial frame as Derrick Loveless scored on a single by Andrew Godbold, the Rascals countered with four runs in their first inning on a Clint Freeman RBI base hit and a three-run homer by Paul Kronenfeld off Normal starter Zack Kirby.
The teams traded runs in the sixth and the Belters added another tally in the seventh to end the night's scoring. The CornBelters outhit the Rascals 11-8 but left 12 runners on base.
Hector Hernandez (10-5) earned the mound win with 6 1/3 innings of seven-hit ball, giving up two runs (earned) with five walks and five strikeouts. Cody Mincey picked up his 20th save. Kirby (3-7) sustained the loss with 5 1/3 innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits with one walk and two strikeouts.
The Belters' lead in the Frontier League West Division shrinks to one game over the Southern Illinois Miners and two games over the Rascals.
The Belters' road trip concludes with a 6:05 p.m. Sunday first pitch at CarShield Field. Right-hander Connor Root (4-1, 5.26 ERA) starts on the mound for Normal while the Rascals counter with lefty Jonny Ortiz (5-2, 4.03). After Monday off, the Belters return to the Corn Crib on Tuesday for a three-game series with the Florence Freedom.
Frontier League Stories from August 18, 2018
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