 The Evansville Otters split an action packed doubleheader against the Normal Cornbelters on Wednesday night at Bosse Field. Evansville lost the first game by a score of 5-4 and won the second 3-2. Within the opening match the Cornbelters jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Otters first baseman, Nik Balog would hit a majestic homerun in the second to bring the score to 2-1. Evansville would rally to tie the game at 2-2 in the fourth. The game would continue to teeter totter after Normal tacked on a run in the fifth, with Evansville answering by scoring a run of their own in the seventh. The eighth inning would prove to be detrimental for the Otters as four Cornbelters reached safely to add an additional two runs and take a 5-3 lead. Evansville would score a run in the eighth to pull the game within one, but ultimately couldn’t come back.
The second contest featured a pitcher’s duel early, as neither team could muster a run through three innings. Normal would score first in the fourth behind a high flying double with a pair of runners on base. The Otters would persevere and rally to tie the game at 2-2 in the fifth. The offensive outburst was highlighted by three consecutive runners reaching base, followed by a sacrifice fly and throwing error. Both teams would remain fairly quiet with the bats until the seventh inning unfolded. Saving the best for last, the smallest player on the team, Kaeo Aliviado, provided a giant blast to left- field to seal a walk-off 3-2 victory for Evansville. The 5’6 Aliviado was swarmed by teammates and disappeared into what appeared to be one amped up dogpile.
Next, the Otters will finish a three game series tomorrow against the Normal Cornbelters, with first pitch slated for 6:35 pm CDT. Tickets are on sale and may be obtained online or by calling (812) 435-8686.
