On a night of celebration at the ballpark, the Normal Cornbelters took advantage of Evansville miscues to win the series finale 10-1 infront of 3,010 at Bosse Field Thursday.
Before fans could settle into their seats, Normal took advantage of two Evansville defensive errors in the top of the first to strike for three runs.
With the bases loaded, Nolan Meadows doubled to center field, clearing the bases for three RBIs.
The score remained 3-0 until the top of the fifth when Santiago Chirino scored on an RBI single by Brian Hakes, giving Normal a 4-0 lead.
The Cornbelters’ offense did not stop there, adding three more runs in the top of the sixth.
Yeixon Ruiz scored on a bases-loaded walk to give Normal a 5-0 advantage.
Hakes tallied two more RBIs on single to center field, driving in Chirino and Justin Fletcher.
Ruiz pushed the Normal lead to 8-0 with a solo home run in the top of the eighth.
The Cornbelters made it 10-0 in the top of the ninth on a two-run home run from Miguel Torres.
The Otters scored their lone run in the bottom of the ninth as Christopher Riopedre recorded an RBI single which scored Alejandro Segovia.
Evansville starting pitcher Hunter Ackerman took the loss, giving up six runs-one earned-off eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. Ackerman also struck out sevenwhile only walking one batter.
Normal’s Matt Portland earned the win, going six innings scoreless and allowing two hits and four walks. Portland fanned five in the outing.
Before the game, the Otters were recognized by the Frontier League for achieving 1,000 wins in franchise history. Commissioner Bill Lee and DeputyCommissioner Steve Tahsler were on hand to present the Bussing Family and the Otters with a commemorative plaque for the achievement.
During the pregame ceremonies, it was announced that John Schultz’s number four jersey will be retired at the end of the season. An honorary number fourwas unveiled out near the left field wall next to former manager Greg Jelks’ 44.
Schultz has played five seasons for the Evansville Otters and owns Otters career records in numerous statistical categories.
The Otters hit the road this weekend to conclude the regular season with a three-game series starting Friday at the Gateway Grizzlies. First pitch isscheduled for 7:05 p.m.
If Evansvillle clinches a playoff berth during the weekend, the Otters will begin their postseason next Tuesdayat Bosse Field.
Fans can listen to all three games at Gateway on 91.5 FM WUEV. Lucas Corley (play-by-play) will provide broadcast coverage.
Potential playoff passes are available by going to evansvilleotters.com or calling 812-435-8686.
Subscriptions for ODN are now on sale and more information can be found at evansvilleotters.com.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions. Group packages and single game tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call 812-435-8686.
