Miners Top Wild Things to Take Series
Published on June 27, 2015 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
Marion, Ill. (June 27, 2015) - The Southern Illinois Miners got a quality pitching performance from rookie right-hander Jon Klein and three innings of scoreless relief to beat the Washington Wild Things 2-1 on Saturday night at Rent One Park.
The Miners took the lead against Washington starter Steve Messner in the bottom of the third. Brian Portelli singled to lead off in his first professional at-bat before Aaron Gates followed with a single of his own and Michael Earley worked an eight-pitch at-bat before walking to load the bases. Niko Vasquez then also worked a walk to force in a run and make it 1-0 Miners.
Klein gave up his only run of the game in the top of the fourth, as Washington answered with a solo home run by Matt Ford to tie the score, but the Miners took the lead in the bottom of the inning. After Steve Marino reached on an infield single, Ford's throw bounced in the stands allowing him to go to second. After moving to third on a groundout, Toby DeMello laced a single to center field for a 2-1 Miners lead.
That lead would stand up from there as Klein earned his first professional win with six innings of work, allowing five hits and striking out three. Four Miners relievers combined to shut out the Wild Things' offense the rest of the way, with Pete Perez working a 1-2-3 ninth for his third save.
Prior to the game, the Miners retired #13 for former Frontier League Pitcher of the Year Ryan Bird, and they will have reigning Pitcher of the Year Matt Bywater on the mound for the series finale as they go for the sweep of Washington at 5:05 p.m. He will be opposed by former Miners right-hander Matt Sergey.
The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2014 Frontier League East Division Champions and the 2012 Frontier League Champions. They have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year award three times since their inception, and also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007, their inaugural season. For ticket information, contact the Rent One Park box office at 618-998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.
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