Story by Narrative Science.

The Southern Illinois Miners (26-20) shut the door early on the Normal CornBelters, capturing a 9-3 victory on Friday at The Corn Crib.

Nine runs in the first three innings allowed the Southern Illinois Miners to put the game away early.

An RBI single by Carlos Mendez, a groundout by Cannon Lester, and an RBI single by Mario Mercedes during the first inning and an RBI single by Mendez, an RBI triple by Ken Gregory, an RBI double by Lester, an RBI single by Mercedes, an error, and an RBI single by Ryan Curl in the second inning fueled the Southern Illinois Miners' offense early.

Mendez racked up two RBIs on three hits for the Southern Illinois Miners.

Michael Carden had an impressive outing against the Normal CornBelters (25-21)'s lineup. Carden held the Normal CornBelters hitless over two innings, allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out four.

Preston Vancil improved to 5-1 on the year by picking up the win for the Southern Illinois Miners. He allowed three runs over six innings. Vancil struck out three, walked three and gave up seven hits.

Drew Provence (3-2) took the loss for the Normal CornBelters. He allowed nine runs in 1 2/3 innings, walked two and struck out three.