CornBelters Fall
June 22, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Normal CornBelters News Release
The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, overcame a five-run deficit Friday night but fell to the Rockford RiverHawks in 12 innings by a final score of 7-6 at the Corn Crib. Reliever Marshall Schuler (1-2) took the loss for Normal, while Theron Minium (1-0) registered the win for the RiverHawks.
The 'Belters got off to a shaky start in the top of the 1st as Rockford leadoff man Ted Obregon doubled to left and went to third on a Normal throwing error. Obregon would come home to score the game's first run on another 'Belter throwing error, this one by second baseman Daniel Cayton.
Rockford added two more runs in the 4th, extending the RiverHawk lead to 3-0.
Normal cut into Rockford's advantage in the bottom of the frame as shortstop Pat McKenna turned the 'Belters first hit of the game into their first run of the game with a two-out solo shot over the fence in right.
The 'Belters looked to be in business again in the bottom of the 6th when Cayton reached on an error and centerfielder Alvaro Ramirez singled and stole second base, putting runners on second and third with no one out in the inning. But the Normal lineup would fail to drive in either runner, keeping the score at 3-1 in favor of the visitors.
The RiverHawks pushed across what looked like some insurance in the 8th, adding three more tallies, and increasing the Rockford lead to 6-1.
Normal started the comeback with some offense of their own in the bottom of the inning, as Ramirez, centerfielder Tyler Wiesemeyer, and McKenna all crossed the plate, cutting the Rockford advantage to just two runs.
The rally continued in the bottom of the 9th. Designated hitter Robert Brooks led off the inning with a walk and came home to score on a double by third baseman Chico Gomez. Gomez then went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Cayton before scoring on a line drive single by Ramirez, knotting the game up at six runs apiece.
The game would remain tied until the 12th when Carlos Luciano came home to score for Rockford on a fielder's choice. Normal could do no damage in the bottom of the frame.
The 'Belters hit the road Saturday for the first of three games with the River City Rascals. Normal starter Tyler Lavigne (2-1, 2.73 ERA) faces off against Tony Marsala (2-1, 3.16 ERA) for River City. Pregame on WJBC.com at 6:50.
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