FL River City Rascals

Rascals Swept in Doubleheader

Published on July 1, 2015 under Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release


Normal, IL - The Rascals (22-17) were swept in a doubleheader by the Normal CornBelters (23-17) on Tuesday, June 30 at the Corn Crib. The Rascals lost Game 1 6-3, and the Belters walked off 6-5 in Game 2.

RHP Dane Stone started Game 1 for the Rascals but did not factor into the decision. He gave up two runs and eight hits in 3.2 innings. He left the game in the fourth inning after taking a line drive off of his pitching hand. RHP Chandler Jagodzinski (L, 0-3) surrendered two runs and three hits in 0.2 inning and took the loss.

The CornBelters took an early lead with a 1-0 lead in the first inning. With two outs, Patrick McKenna singled and stole second base. Following a walk, Richard Lucas hit an RBI double to right field.

The Rascals responded with a run in the second inning. 1B Danny Canela hit a leadoff double, and 3B Taylor Ard was hit by a pitch. After 2B Hector Crespo bunted both men up, Canela scored on a groundout by RF Zach Kometani.

Normal regained a one-run lead in the third. McKenna and Aaron Dudley each singled to put men on the corners with one out. Lucas then hit an RBI sacrifice flyout.

The Rascals tied the game in the top of the fifth frame. SS Johnny Morales walked and advanced to second on a groundout. LF Brian Hansen, who was just named Frontier League Player of the Week, followed with a double. Morales then scored and tied the game on a wild pitch.

The Belters took a 6-2 lead in the bottom of the inning. Dudley, Lucas, and Sam Judah each singled to load the bases with one out against Jagozinski. RHP Derek Cape then entered the game and recorded one out on a fielder's choice. RHP Zac Treece then came into the game and surrendered a grand slam to on Monger.

Morales reached on an error to begin the seventh inning. Following a Hansen double, Morales scored on a wild pit

Normal starter Kevin Johnson (W, 4-1) surrendered two runs in 5.1 innings in his third start against the Rascals this season.

RHP Marc Rutledge added 1.0 inning out of the bullpen.

LHP Lucas Laster tossed 5.1 innings in Game 2. He surrendered four runs and struck out seven batters in a no-decision. RHP Heith Hatfield (L, 2-1) took the loss after surrendering two runs in 1.0 inning of work.

DH Josh Ludy began the scoring with a solo homerun, his sixth, in the top of the first inning.

In the bottom of the frame, McKenna tied the game with a solo shot. Dudley then singled, and Lucas hit a two-run homer.

Ard and Crespo hit back-to-back homeruns in the fourth inning to tie the game 3-3. Ard's homer was his 11th; Crespo hit his second of the season.

RF Jackson Slaid and CF Curran Redal each walked with one out in the fifth, and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Hansen. Ludy then hit an RBI sacrifice fly to left field.

Normal tied the game in the sixth when Santiago Chirino singled and scored on a Dudley double.

The Rascals recaptured the lead in the seventh inning. Hasen reached first on catcher's interference with two outs and advanced to second on passed ball. After Ludy walked, Canela singled home Hansen.

In the bottom of the inning, Monger walked and Jim Vahalik singled. Mark Micowski then doubled home both runners to win the game 6-5.

Brad Orosey started for the Belters and surrendered three runs in a no-decision. Horatio Acosta (W, 3-0) allowed one unearned run in 1.0 inning.

The Rascals and Normal CornBelters continue their series on Wednesday, July 1 at the Corn Crib at 6:35 p.m. CDT.

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