An outstanding effort by Grant Buckner led the Gateway Grizzlies (2-4) to a 14-6 win over the Normal CornBelters (3-3) on Thursday at The Corn Crib.

Buckner rocked the Normal CornBelters with two home runs. Buckner went 3-6 in the game with five RBIs and three runs scored. Buckner homered in the first and third innings.

The Gateway Grizzlies blew out the Normal CornBelters thanks to 18 hits, including zero extra base hits. A home run by Buckner and an RBI single by Grant Nelson helped the Gateway Grizzlies score five runs in the first. The Gateway Grizzlies had five hits in the inning.

The Normal CornBelters had no answer for Scott Harkin, who kept runners off the basepaths in his appearance. Harkin held the Normal CornBelters hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out three.

JaVaun West recorded his first win for the Gateway Grizzlies even though he allowed five runs over five innings. He struck out two, walked five and surrendered six hits.

Kevin Johnson (0-1) was the game's losing pitcher. He allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings, walked three and struck out four.

The Gateway Grizzlies easily handled the Normal CornBelters pitching as six hitters combined for 14 hits, 10 RBIs and 13 runs scored.