The Evansville Otters (17-6) swept a doubleheader from the Normal CornBelters (15-8) on Wednesday night with a 9-4 win in the opening contest and a 4-0 victory in game two.
In game one, Evansville went ahead of Normal in the bottom of the first. The Otters took the advantage on a two-run double from infielder Shayne Houck and surged ahead even more with a two-run home run from outfielder Chris Sweeney.
Down 4-0, Normal cut the deficit in half with a two-run, fourth inning single from Santiago Chirino and tied the game on a Sam Judah double that plated two in the fifth.
Tied at four, Evansville leapt back ahead with a three-run home run from outfielder John Schultz in the bottom of the fifth. The Otters then added to the advantage when outfielder Kurt Wertz Jr. scored two more on a single to left field later in the frame.
Ahead 9-4, Evansville relievers Connor Little and Adam Mott each threw a scoreless inning to claim the game one victory. Otters starting pitcher Preston Olson (4-1) received the win, yielding four runs in 5.0 innings. Olson struck out a season-high nine batters in the victory.
Evansville also took an early lead in game two. Houck launched a two-run home run in the first inning for a 2-0 advantage. The home run was the seventh this season for Houck and he also became only the second player in franchise history to hit 30 career home runs (Jeff Goldbach – 36).
Down by three, Normal brought the tying runner to the plate in the fifth but infielder Josh Allen made a diving stop up the middle and his throw to first base left two men stranded.
Leading 3-0, Houck scored another run with a fifth inning single to center field.
Starting pitcher Will Oliver (2-1) threw a complete game shutout in the game two victory. He allowed just three hits and one walk while striking out nine batters.
Houck finished the doubleheader finale 2-for-3 with three runs batted in. He had five total RBIs in the sweep of the CornBelters.
The Otters and CornBelters complete the three game series on Thursday, June 11. It is FC Tucker Emge Realty Night and a Thirsty Thursday with drink specials at Bosse Field. First pitch set for 6:35 p.m. CDT. Fans can purchase tickets by calling the team’s front office at 812.435.8686 or online at EvansvilleOtters.com.
