Paints Defeat the Cornbelters in an offensive onslaught

June 6, 2025

–Normal–

The Normal Cornbelters faced up against the Chillicothe Paints at The Corn Crib in what is set to
be a two games weekend series.
The Paints defeated the Cornbelters 12-6 in what looked to be a blowout but turned into a high
scoring affair. The Paints will move on to six and four and look to win the series against the
Cornbelters tomorrow.
On the mound this evening for the Cornbelters was Cole Merrell who struggled in his first start
of the season against the reigning champion Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp. Merrell did not see any
form of improvement in this start. The Paints got out to an early start in the first inning scoring a
run off CJ Richmond out of Purdue University, the Paints were able to put another run across and
exit the first inning with a 2-0 lead.
It did not get any easier in the second inning for Merrell. It started with a Justin Gorski triple
down the right field line to extend the lead to four. Chillicothe was able to add on two more runs
and bring the score to an early 6-0 lead.
On the mound today for the Paints was Gavin Beuter, Beuter was able to set down Cornbelters
hitters easily until the fourth inning came around. The Cornbelters were able to ignite a two out
rally starting with a two out walk from Cal Royer. The Cornbelters were able to turn this walk
into four runs courtesy of RBIs from Jackson Stanek, Nolan McCrossin, Zach Zychowski, and
Shea Zbrozek this trimmed the Paints lead to two.
Both the Paints and Cornbelters were able to tack on runs in the fifth inning bringing the score to
7-5. The Belters bats came out once again hot in the sixth inning and were able to score a run on
an infield single from second baseman Shea Zbrozek for his second RBI of the game.
Cornbelters relievers were able to keep the score within one until the top of the seventh where
the Paints were able to put up three runs and extend their lead to 10-6.
The Paints were able to tack on two more runs in the eighth and ninth inning en route to their
victory.
Right handed pitcher Trent Hedges came on to shut the door for Chillicothe. Hedges was able to
shut the door and get the win.
With the win the Paints will move to 6-4, and the Belters move to 4-6. Chillicothe and Normal
will face up tomorrow at 6:00 P.M. where the Paints will look to get the series win.