Prior to Wednesday, the Southern Illinois Miners had defeated River City in all nine of their games this season. But the Rascals put an end to that with a 3-1 victory at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in front of 1,527 fans.
The Miners (44-17) have lost three straight games and 10 of their last 15. Their lead over the Rascals (37-24) is now just seven games in the Frontier League's West Division standings.
Eric Fussell was the tough-luck loser. He gave up a two-out, RBI single to Chad Maddox in the first inning and the Rascals didn't score again until a Doug Anders sacrifice fly in the sixth inning that followed a single by JoJo Gutirrerez and a double from Caleb Curry.
The Miners scored their lone run against River City starter Josh Lowey in the third inning.
Kent Gerst, who along with Brendan Akashian had two hits, doubled and then scored on a single by Joey Metropoulos to tie the game at 1-1.
Southern Illinois had a golden chance in the seventh inning after Will Block and Jordin Hood both walked. But on Gerst's second hit, right fielder Stephen Holdren threw out Block at home plate to end the rally.
Curry lifted a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to plate Danny Sawyer, who hit a leadoff double and moved up on an error and give the Rascals a 3-1 lead.
Derrick Miramontes, who was traded along with Holdren from the Miners to River City for former first baseman Ernie Banks prior to the season, pitched the ninth inning and set the Miners down in order.
The Miners and Rascals play the middle game of their series Thursday night.
O'Fallon, Mo. —
