The bases were loaded four separate times for the Johnstown Mill Rats on Friday, and
every time, they failed to score a run in those bases loaded situations, leading to a 14-7 loss to
the Normal CornBelters at Sargent’s Stadium.
This matchup saw everything, from 30 combined, to a player ejection, to a one hour rain
delay which featured a double rainbow, and 13 combined pitcher.
The CornBelter offense found success early, chasing Johnstown starter Nathan Vidmar,
who allowed four earned runs on five hits over his three innings of work. Normal starter David
Smith saw an early exit as well, allowing two earned runs while walking four Johnstown hitters
over three innings.
Normal first baseman James Harris, who collected an RBI on Friday, was removed from
the game in the third inning after disagreeing with an out call at first base. He was replaced by
Chase Mason, who collected an RBI as well.
The CornBelter offense was spearheaded by designated hitter Landon Johnson, who had
a 3-for-5 evening with an RBI. Catcher Christopher Suchoski was impressive as well, collecting
three hits and two-RBIs of his own. Right fielder Austin Wiegand added two-RBIs on the night
with a three hit evening, capping off a banner evening that saw 14 hits for the CornBelters bats.
The Johnstown offense, which collected x amount of hits, remained a consistent force on
the evening, but stranding the bases loaded three times led the way to the CornBelters victory as
Johnstown batted 0-for-6 with the bases loaded.
Despite the loss, Peyton Starr had quite the night, going 4-for-5 with two singles, a
double and a solo home run along with two RBIs. Shortstop Parker Martin and second baseman
Dom Krupinski scored two runs each on the evening as well.
Catcher Joey Perry had a solid offensive evening, joining Starr and Krupinski with multi-
hit games. Max Humphrey and Martin were the only Mill Rats on the evening held without a
base hit.
The loss moved Johnstown to 8-7 on the 2024 Prospect League campaign, while the win
for the CornBelters moved them to 7-9. Johnstown continues their home-stand on Saturday,
welcoming the Chillicothe Paints to Sargent’s Stadium for a two-game set, with it being
Chillicothe’s first visit to Sargent’s Stadium this season.