The CornBelters were stung in back-to-back losses Thursday, but the following night they narrowly avoided a third sting, spoiling the sweep with a walk-off victory over the Burlington Bees. 

Author: Taylor Hamler | IG: taylor.hamler 

The Belters lost 2-1 to the Bees in game one of the doubleheader at the Corn Crib. The low scoring game was filled with great outings on the hill. Normal’s bullpen held the Bees to two total runs (0 earned) through 7 innings. Burlington capitalized in extra innings, scoring the game winning run.

Although the CornBelters only tallied one run on the scoreboard, they left many stranded on the bases, ultimately making it the big story of the game. Stranding 7 runners on 6 hits, Normal had every opportunity to sting back. 

During intermission between games, Manager Billy Dubois expressed he was trying to find someone that could hit with a guy on third base when building a lineup for game two. Leaving opportunities on the field would soon be the common trend of the evening. 

The second game of the double-header resulted in another 9-3 loss for the CornBelters. A night and day difference between the earlier game, players on both teams decided to light it up in the batter’s box. The Bees scored 9 runs on 10 hits. The CornBelters were close to matching Burlington’s hit total with 9, but yet again left several Belter’s on base and could not keep a steady pace offensively. 

The first two games belonged to Burlington, but the finale belonged to Normal. The CornBelters won in dramatic walk-off fashion, beating the Bees 5-4 and avoiding the series sweep. Normal erased a 4-2 deficit scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth. A big piece of the success was seeing the ball well at the dish. Belters drew 7 walks to help fuel the comeback and get runners in scoring position. It was a team effort with many players up and down the lineup producing. However, infielder Tyler Thompson played hero in the bottom of the ninth, delivering a two-run walk off single to complete Normal’s comeback. Thompson was later deemed the player of the game. 

The CornBelters now stand at 6-6 and tied for second in the Northwest division. Work needs to be done to acquire a second-half playoff spot, as the Clinton Lumberkings have a comfortable lead in first place in the division. Normal has their next opportunity to spark some late season momentum Saturday night at the Corn Crib vs the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.