Four first-inning runs helped the Normal CornBelters (48-41) to a 6-3 win over the Lake Erie Crushers (51-38) at The Corn Crib on Thursday.

The Normal CornBelters scored in the first on a solo home run by Patrick McKenna, an RBI single by Aaron Dudley, a fielder's choice, and an RBI single by Jhiomar Veras.

Sam Judah boosted his batting average thanks to a perfect 3-3 day at the plate to pace the Normal CornBelters. He singled in the first and fifth innings and doubled in the seventh inning.

Chris Carmain pitched lights out for the Normal CornBelters. The Lake Erie Crushers managed just two hits off of the the Normal CornBelters' pitcher, who allowed one earned run, walked one and struck out six during his four innings of work.

Despite the loss, the Lake Erie Crushers' Brad Duffy dominated the Normal CornBelters' batters, giving up zero runs and striking out five.

Andy Roberts was charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just two innings, walked three, struck out one, and allowed five runs.