TRAVERSE CITY — Jose Vargas hit his league-leading 15th home run of the season as Traverse City defeated Normal 6-2 to take the first two games of a series with the CornBelters.
The win was Traverse City's eighth in its last 10 games. Normal, which has the league's worst record at 15-27, has lost eight of its last 10.
Chase Burch led off the bottom of the sixth with a solo homer, his sixth of the year. Vargas slammed a solo shot in the two-run seventh for his eighth round-tripper in as many contests.
Normal pitchers surrendered only five hits, but starter Jacob Liedka walked five in 6.1 innings. Ryan Still drew two of those walks, and Vargas had two hits.
Brian Heere, Jeff Flagg, Marcus Nidiffer and Kyle Colligan drove in the Beach Bums' other runs.
Bennett Whitmore went 5.1 strong innings, allowing only two hits and three walks. He struck out two and gave up two runs (one earned) to improve to 3-2. Matt Miller tossed 3.2 inning of relief for the save, fanning five and giving up only two hits.
The win kept Traverse City foru games ahead of Southern Illinois in the East Division standings.
The Beach Bums host Normal in the series finale tonight, then hit the road for a three-game set with London before the All-Star break. Brooks Belter (5-0) seeks to remain undefeated today.
Archive: Thursday
Beach Bums defeat Normal 6-2
Vargas hits his 15th homer of year; TC leads East by 4
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Prep sports scoreboard: 05/16/2013
A roundup of high school sports results from across northern Michigan:
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Shananaquet to prison for 25-50 years
Tyler Shananaquet expressed remorse for hitting a woman who sought a ride home after a Williamsburg bonfire party, but he maintained he didn't rape her.
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Asparagus stars at Empire fest
There will be asparagus in the beer and the bratwursts and the soups and the sandwiches at the 10th annual Empire Asparagus Festival Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18.
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TC's Keyton readies for time with Lions
Darren Keyton’s dream of signing with an NFL team came true. Not only that, but he’s also playing for the team he grew up watching and rooting for.
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Traverse City eyes bond to fix roads
Winter 2012-13 laid bare Traverse City's street problems and some city officials want to consider jump-starting a 20-year road repair program with a bond program of up to $20 million.
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Memorial ceremony a tribute to TC's Sgt. Finch
It was a quiet, sunny day when Traverse City Police Sgt. Dennis Finch responded to a call about a man with a gun outside a Wellington Street home.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/16/2013
Just state disdain; Contributes to problem.
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Morels bring three generations together
If you’re one of those people who couldn’t spot a morel if it walked up and tapped you on the shoulder, this will make you eat your heart out.
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Trojans enter Div. 1 play as the favorites
Traverse City Central hopes to end a five-year regional tennis title drought today. The Trojans enter play in the 11-team Division 1 field at the Midland Tennis Center as the favorite.
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Recipe of the Week: Easy Pepperoni Pizza
I am an unabashed fan of Tiseo’s frozen pizza dough. It’s made right here in Michigan and available for around $1.49 to $1.79 in many grocery stores.
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Farm bill would help fruit growers
Both pending versions of the 2013 Farm Bill would make crop insurance available to cherry farmers, northern Michigan's federal legislators said.
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TC teams look strong for Division 1 regionals
Paper doesn’t run. So even though on paper the TC Central girls track team appears to have everything it needs to win Friday’s Division 1 track regional at Central High School, the Trojans aren’t ready to hold an early championship-crowning ceremony.
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Phil Power: Get to 'core' of the problem
Michigan was one of 45 states which adopted “Common Core Standards” back in 2010. The standards are aimed at setting out the kinds of skills that will qualify kids to successfully meet 21st century challenges, both in post-secondary education and fulfilling careers.
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United Way launches iPhone app for volunteering
iPhone users who want to find local volunteer opportunities through the United Way now can get information at the tips of their fingertips.
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Prep Sports Roundup: Leland scores 6-4 soccer win
Down 4-0 at half, Leland battled back to post a 6-4 soccer win over Kingsley on Wednesday. (Plus more)
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Food in Brief: 05/16/2013
New cookbook; Berry facts.
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Intentional Minimalist: Quinoa with white wine and herbs
This recipe features local produce from 9 Bean Rows Farm, Spring Hollow Farm and locally produced products from Black Star Farms and Eden Foods.
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Inland Seas' Kelly to weigh anchor
Tom Kelly, who launched the first sailing schoolship program on the Great Lakes 25 years ago, will retire at year's end.
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Wuerfel Park power numbers on the rise
One season probably doesn't completely kill the opinion of Wuerfel Park. But after last season's surge in power numbers, the Beach Bums are doing their best to change the notion that their home park isn't friendly to hitters.
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Traverse City manager to make $100K a year to start
Traverse City’s likely new city manager will earn $100,000 a year to start and could raise that to $110,000 by the end of a proposed three-year contract.
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Gusrang's move to outfield pays big dividends right away
Sean Gusrang was an infielder by trade. Until last season, that is.
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Bums' bullpen figures to be strong
If things go as expected, Beach Bums’ opponents may be hard-pressed to find success in the late stages of games.
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Record-Eagle Honor Roll Track Boys Lisings: 05/16/2013
Following are the top boys listings for the Record-Eagle Honor Roll track and field meet on May 28 at TC Central.
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Vargas no laughing matter to Frontier League pitchers
You might not know it, but reigning Frontier League MVP Jose Vargas is a bit of a joker. The Traverse City Beach Bums slugger usually keeps a straight face in public.
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Community in Brief: 05/16/2013
International Affairs Forum; Old Engine Club swap meet; art opening; and more.
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Prep sports scoreboard: 05/16/2013
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
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Shakira's Shocking Talent
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