MARION, IL–The River City Rascals suffered their second straight loss on Wednesday night at Rent One Park, dropping the middle game of their series against the Southern Illinois Miners by a score of 4-3. It was a back-and-forth game, but ultimately the Miners prevailed to take the 2-0 series lead.
The Rascals jumped out to an early lead after three straight hits to begin the third inning, culminating in a run-scoring single from Trevor Achenbach. Ransom LaLonde made it 2-0 Rascals with an RBI single in the fourth, following a walk and a stolen base from Zach Lavy.
The Miners jumped ahead with a three-run fifth inning, recording three doubles in the frame. Chance Shepard drove in two with a double and Romeo Cortina gave the Miners the 3-2 lead with his run-scoring two-bagger.
The Rascals tied the game at three in the seventh, after JD Hearn scored following a base hit by James Morisano, and then a missed play by Miners shortstop Max Dutto, who was charged with an error. Morisano finished with three hits on the game. The Miners took the lead for good on and RBI single from Harrison Bragg in the bottom of the seventh.
The Rascals got a runner to third in the top of the ninth after Hearn singled, stole second, and took third on a wild pitch, but Miners closer John Werner struck out Morisano to end the game and earn his fifth save.
Rascals starter Josh Kimborowicz allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings pitched, striking out six. Reliever Chad Gendron (0-2) took the loss, allowing the go-ahead run.
Miners starter Kurt Heyer went 6 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out seven. Reliever Nick Durazo (1-1) earned the win, retiring all four hitters he faced.
The Rascals (32-30) look to avoid the sweep at the hands of the Miners (28-30) tomorrow night, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm CT in the series finale. Hector Hernandez will get the start for the Rascals on the mound.
