By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, were swept by the River City Rascals 8-1 and 10-0 on Saturday night at the Corn Crib.
In the opener, the Rascals struck first with an RBI double to right center by Alexi Colon in the third inning. The guests placed five more runs on the scoreboard in the fourth with a two-run single by Robby Enslen and a three-run homer inside the right field pole by Colon.
The CornBelters cut the deficit to 6-1 on a solo bomb to right field by Nolan Meadows that nearly reached the main sidewalk above right field in the bottom of the fourth inning.
River City added insurance in the seventh inning on a two-run double to the left field corner by Josh Silver.
Austin Warner (2-1) earned the win with five innings on the mound, surrendering one run on five hits with no walks and four strikeouts. Horatio Acosta (7-3) worked four innings and received the loss, giving up six runs (earned) on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
In the nightcap, the Rascals wasted little time opening a big lead with six runs in the opening frame on six hits, with runs scoring on a hit batter, a two-run single by Mike Jurgella and a three-run homer by Jason Merjano. The guests plated three more times in the third inning on a two-run double by Enslen followed by a RBI two-bagger from Colon, and once in the fourth on a run-scoring single by Mike Jurgella.
Joe Pavlovich (3-3) worked a complete seven-inning shutout, giving up six hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Mike Elwood (1-3) lasted just one inning and took the loss.
The series concludes Sunday with a 4:35 p.m. first pitch against the Rascals at the Corn Crib as right-handers Charlie Gillies (4-2, 2.95 ERA) for Normal and Zeb Sneed (6-6, 3.77) for River City duel on the hill. Broadcast time on WJBC.com is 4:20. Heartland Bank and Trust Family Fun Day features a Family 4-Pack for $40 with four box seats, four sodas and four hot dogs, and fans are encouraged to wear items promoting their favorite football team on NFL Night with St. Louis Rams fans admitted free with paraphernalia from that former team.
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