GRIZZLIES DROP SERIES OPENER DESPITE MOLESKY'S SOLID OUTING

Normal, Ill. - Vince Molesky turned in a seven-inning performance while allowing just one run on Tuesday night at the Corn Crib, but it wasn't enough for the Gateway Grizzlies as they fell 3-1 to the Normal CornBelters.

Molesky (2-2) struck out eight batters in the series opener while Normal starting pitcher Max Homick (3-3) tossed 6.1 scoreless innings. 

The game remained scoreless until the bottom half of the fourth, when the CornBelters (15-19) plated the game's first run. Aaron Dudley started the frame with a base hit and then stole second. An error followed to put runners at the corners with nobody out. RJ Perucki then stepped in and laced an RBI single to right field, giving Normal a 1-0 edge. 

The Grizzlies (15-20) put runners on base in every inning after the fourth, but failed to drive in nearly all of them. After Homick exited in the seventh inning, RHP Matt Chavarria came on and recorded the last two outs of the frame. RHP Francisco Carillo then pitched the final two innings and recorded his second save of the season in the process. 

Gateway turned to LHP Jon Jones in the eighth and he surrendered a leadoff homer to Dudley. After a single, RHP Jordan Wellander came in and ultimately allowed another run to cross home. Both were charged to Jones, including an unearned run. Normal led 3-0 heading into the ninth. 

Carillo didn't have an easy time getting the final three outs, as he allowed an RBI single to Ben Waldrip to make it 3-1. The Grizzlies then put the tying runs on first and second, but Carillo bounced back to strike out Josh Bunselmeyer to end the game. 

Waldrip was the only player to collect two hits for the Grizzlies. 

The series continues at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday. The Grizzlies send LHP Corey Kimes (4.90 ERA) to the mound. The game can be heard on the Grizzlies Radio Network, which airs Wednesday on 1400 AM KJFF and www.GatewayGrizzlies.com/Radio. Sam Levitt has the play-by-play call.