Story by Narrative Science.

The Southern Illinois Miners (26-19) refused to relinquish the lead after grabbing it early against the Joliet Slammers (18-27), recording a 9-3 victory on Saturday at Rent One Park, Marion, IL.

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

An RBI single by Ken Gregory during the second inning helped the Southern Illinois Miners put some runs on the board early.

Carlos Mendez racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Southern Illinois Miners. He singled in the third inning.

Dayne Quist had an impressive outing against the Joliet Slammers' lineup. Quist held the Joliet Slammers hitless over 4 2/3 innings, allowed no earned runs, walked six and struck out four.

Kyle Maunus led the Joliet Slammers' offensive threat, as he got on base four times in the game.

Cody Hall got the win, running his season record to 2-2. He allowed two runs over 1 1/3 innings. Hall struck out one, walked two and gave up one hit.

Brett Zawacki couldn't get it done on the mound for the Joliet Slammers, taking a loss. He lasted just three innings, walked two, struck out none, and allowed five runs.