A walk-off solo blast from Aaron Gates brought home the winning run for the Southern Illinois Miners (62-32) in a 3-2 victory over the Florence Freedom (48-46) at Rent One Park | Marion, IL on Friday.

Gates racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Southern Illinois Miners. He singled in the third inning and homered in the ninth inning.

Craig Massey had two extra-base hits for the Southern Illinois Miners. He homered in the first inning and doubled in the third inning.

Adam Lopez handled the Florence Freedom's lineup with ease, racking up eight strikeouts. Lopez allowed one earned run, three hits and five walks over seven innings.

Eric Green got the win, running his season record to 8-3. Green struck out three, walked one and gave up no hits.

Tony Vocca ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his fourth loss of the year. He lasted just two innings, walked one, struck out one, and allowed one run.

The Southern Illinois Miners were sparked by Gates and Massey, who teamed up for four hits and three RBIs.