Grizzlies Score Early And Often In Romp Of CornBelters

Normal, Ill. – The Gateway Grizzlies unleashed a powerful offensive attack by scoring 16 runs on 15 hits in a 16-3 win against the Normal CornBelters on Wednesday night.

The game started with a bang, as rookie Josh Bunselmeyer blasted a leadoff homer against Normal LHP Nick Lomascolo (0-1). The Grizzlies (16-20) would go on to plate three more runs in the frame on Tyler Tewell’s RBI double and a two-run single from Blake Brown.

After setting the tone, Gateway continued to pour it on against Lomascolo. Brandon Thomas laced a two-run single to make it 6-0 while Ben Waldrip collected a pair of RBI with a two-run single later in the inning. The Grizzlies led 8-0.

Meanwhile, LHP Corey Kimes (3-2) turned in a solid performance against the CornBelters (15-20). He went 5.1 innings while allowing three runs. RHP Jon Pusateri threw 1.2 scoreless innings in relief while RHP JaVaun West and RHP Kevin Jefferis finished things up with two scoreless frames.

Leading 8-3 in the fifth, the Grizzlies continued to score at a rapid rate. Seth Heck got in on the fun with a two-run single to extend Gateway’s lead to 10-3, while an error by shortstop Michael Skoller allowed another run to cross home.

After Brandon Thomas picked up his third RBI in the seventh, the Grizzlies exploded for four more runs in the ninth against RHP Matt Chavarria. Jason Scholl picked up his first professional hit and drove in two runs with a double. Brown then capped the evening off with another two-run double to give the Grizzlies a 16-3 advantage.

Nine different batters collected a hit for Gateway in the team’s best offensive night of 2016. Brown led the way with four RBI while Thomas led the team with three hits.

The Grizzlies and CornBelters play the rubber match of their three-game set on Thursday night at the Corn Crib. The Grizzlies send RHP Adam Eggnatz to the mound against Normal RHP Chris Carmain. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

The game can be heard on the Grizzlies Radio Network, which airs Thursday on 1400 AM KJFF and www.GatewayGrizzlies.com/Radio. Sam Levitt has the play-by-play call.