Pitching Leads Bees to Opening Day Victory

Burlington, IA – Five Bees pitchers combined to allow just six hits and three runs in a 9-3 Opening Day win over the Normal CornBelters at Community Field on May 26.  

The scoring started in the bottom of the first when Foti Rigopoulos (Illinois) scored on a bases loaded walk. Kila Teixeira (Hawaii Pacific) followed with a 2 RBI single before Milo Kelley (Iowa) scored on an error to make it a four run first inning.  

Burlington added to its lead in the third inning when Kolt Kurzman (Mount Mercy) delivered an RBI single to left field, extending the lead to 6-0.  

Tate Slagle (Iowa) started the game on the mound, tossing two scoreless innings. Mitchell Cox (Bethany Lutheran) was first out of the bullpen in the third inning. He retired the Cornbelters in order in the third before allowing two runs on four hits in the top of the fourth.   

Kyle Prebil (McHenry County) and Zach Troxel (Indiana Wesleyan) each threw two scoreless innings out of the bullpen.  

The Bees offense struck quickly for a run in the sixth when Troy Peltz (Iowa Western) singled in Tanner Reinartz (Huntington) after Reinartz doubled to center field for the only extra base hit of the game to make the score 7-2.  

Burlington scored two more in the eighth inning after Teixeira and Lucas Krebs (Illinois) came across home on walks.  

Quentin Holmes (Bethany Lutheran) closed out the game in the ninth inning, allowing one unearned run.  

Normal travels home tomorrow to take on the Clinton LumberKings (0-1).  

The Bees begin a five game road trip tomorrow evening at Champion City (0-1). First pitch is set for 5:05 CDT.