(Photo Credit: Christopher Kays)
The Southern Illinois Miners (47-38) earned a huge victory on Friday night at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Stadium as they shutout the Florence Freedom 5-0. Blake Nation (10-2) earned his tenth victory of the season as he pitched seven shutout innings and gave up two hits and struck out four batters with three walks.
Early on it looked as if Blake Nation and Freedom starter Dan Osterbrock were destined for a pitcher’s duel. However, in the top of the fifth inning the Miners scored four runs to take a 4-0 lead and chase Osterbrock out of the game after pitching 4 2/3 innings. Cannon Lester hit a RBI single to score Phil Butler who led off the inning with a single to give the Miners their first run. Carlos Mendez hit a RBI single to score Cory Harrilchak. Lester scored on an error by Freedom right fielder Nick Stein to give the Miners a 3-0 lead. Jereme Milons capped off the inning as he hit a RBI single to score Mendez.
Mendez hit his second home run of the season in the top of the ninth inning off Freedom reliever Steve Matre to give the Miners a 5-0 lead. Kyle Wahl pitched a scoreless eighth inning, recording two strikeouts. Race Parmenter closed out the game in the ninth inning as he struck out two batters and allowed one hit.
The Miners and Freedom return to action on Saturday night at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 pm. Mike Ventola will have the call on the Miners Radio Network and southernillinoisminers.com beginning at 4:45 pm with the Heartland Regional Medical Center Pregame Show.
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