From the Southern Illinois Miners

FLORENCE- KY The Southern Illinois Miners made a huge late comeback on Saturday night, scoring six runs in the seventh inning and the final seven runs total in the contest to topple the Florence Freedom 11-8 at UC Health Stadium for their fourth win in a row and fifth in their last six overall, clinching the weekend road series.

Miners SS Craig Massey went 3-4 at the plate driving in three runs in last night’s 11-8 victory over Florence (SI Miners photo)

The Miners again on a leadoff double by Craig Massey and a sacrifice fly by Nolan Earley grabbed an early 1-0 advantage in the first inning against Freedom starter Jordan Kraus, but Florence would respond with four runs in their half of the frame, including two-out RBI doubles by Collins Cuthrell and Andrew Godbold to take a 4-1 lead. An unearned run in the second inning made the score 5-1, but the Miners would respond. Earley came up with two outs in the third and launched a solo home run, his second homer of the series, to make it a 5-2 game, and back-to-back RBI hits by Massey and Romeo Cortina got the Miners within a single tally at 5-4 in the top of the fourth.

In the bottom half, Florence loaded the bases with two outs, and Andre Mercurio got both runs back with a single that made it 7-4. Cuthrell then took the very next pitch deep to left-center field, but an incredible, home-run-robbing catch by Ryan Sluder kept the contest a three-run game. After a scoreless fifth inning, a leadoff walk issued by Tre Hobbs (1-0) to Daniel Fraga turned into a run on a subsequent single, fielder’s choice and groundout to make the score 8-4 after six innings. But the game would then take a huge turn in the Miners’ favor in the top of the seventh.

Against relief pitcher Mike Anthony (0-1), Southern Illinois mounted a big comeback. A single and two walks loaded the bases with one out for Anthony Critelli, who also drew ball four to force in a run and make it 8-5. Sluder followed with an RBI single to slice the deficit to 8-6, and Anthony was removed for Jamal Wilson. Massey, with the bases still loaded, then struck the biggest blow of the game, smacking a triple down the left field line that cleared the bases and vaulted the Miners in front 9-8. Cortina’s sacrifice fly brought home Massey for a 10-8 lead to complete the six-run frame, and in the next inning, Brett Wiley homered to right-center to make the score 11-8.

The Southern Illinois bullpen shut the Freedom down from there, with Paul Young and John Werner, who worked the ninth for his 16th save of the season, combining for eight strikeouts in three innings to clinch the series. Massey led the charge offensively by finishing a homer away from the cycle, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and four RBIs. Cortina and Earley each had two RBIs as well, while Wiley went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one driven in. Hobbs recorded his first pro win in relief as the Miners tied their season-best with their fourth consecutive victory.

The Miners will go for a sweep on Sunday at 5:05 p.m., with Corey Sessions on the hill against Florence’s Braulio Torres-Perez.

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 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.

Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals

ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that Memphis (AAA) outfielder Harrison Bader and Palm Beach (High-A) starting pitcher Jordan Hicks have been honored as the Cardinals Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month for July for their accomplishments on the field.

Bader, 23, batted .314 (22-for-70) with six home runs, two doubles, and 12 RBI in 21 games during the month, while also scoring 18 runs and stealing a team-leading five bases.

The 6-foot-0, 200-lb. centerfielder, who recently became the sixth Cardinal to make his Major League debut this season, started six games in centerfield for St. Louis and batted .286 (6-for-21) with two doubles and two walks. He scored the game-winning run in his Major League debut on July 25 vs. Colorado, as the Cardinals won in walk-off fashion.

The right-handed hitting Bader began the season as a non-roster invite to Major League Spring Training and was assigned to Memphis. He is batting .297 with 19 home runs and 48 RBI in 97 games with the triple-A Redbirds, and leads the organization in total bases (181), ranks 2nd in home runs, 3rd in runs scored (62) and T3rd in hits (104).

Bader was the Cardinals third round draft pick (100th overall) out of the University of Florida in the June, 2015 First-Year Player Draft. The outfielder played on the Gators College World Series team in June 2015 and made his triple-A debut with Memphis on July 6, 2016. Entering the 2017 season, Bader was rated as the No. 7 prospect in the Cardinals system by Baseball America.

“With a strong performance both offensively and in the outfield, Harrison helped lead Memphis to their 23 wins during July, highlighted by his call-up to St. Louis at the end of the month,” said Cardinals Director of Player Development, Gary LaRocque.

Hicks, 20, the Cardinals 3rd round Supplemental pick (105th overall) in the June, 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Cyress Creek (Tex.) High School, went 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA (25.0 IP/3 ER), 30 strikeouts and five walks in five combined starts between Peoria (A) and Palm Beach (High-A) last month.

Hicks’ 0.84 WHIP during the month ranked 11th among all single-A pitchers, while his ERA was T14th. The starting pitcher did not allow a home run to any of the 94 batters he faced in July and recorded a 2.42 groundout/flyout ratio, the 7th-highest mark in Class A.

After setting career highs in innings (8.0), pitches (103) and strikeouts (9) in an 8-1 win on July 2 at Kane County, Hicks was promoted to Palm Beach, where he finished July with a 0-1 record, 1.59 ERA (17.0 IP/3 ER) and 21 strikeouts over four starts. Since allowing three runs in his debut start with Palm Beach, the right-hander has made three scoreless starts while shutting out the opposition over his last 14.0 innings.

“Following his Midwest League Mid-Season All Star selection, Jordan was promoted to the Florida State League and was impressive in four games during July for the Palm Beach Cardinals,” said LaRocque.
The Texas native began the 2017 season 8-2 with a 3.35 ERA (78.0 IP/29 ER) and 63 strikeouts in 14 starts with the Chiefs before his promotion.

Overall this season between Peoria and Palm Beach, the 6-foot-2, 185 lb. right-hander ranks 7th in the Cardinals organization in strikeouts (84) and ERA (3.03), T7th in starts (18) and wins (8), and 10th in innings pitched (95.0).

The minor league honor is the first for Hicks and second for Bader, who won the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Month for April 2016.

Press Release for St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced the addition of four new Theme Nights for the 2017 season.
Grab your boots and head down to the ballpark on Friday, September 8, for Country Music Night presented by Q in the Lou. Fans who purchase a special theme ticket will receive a one-of-a-kind country-themed Cardinals snapback hat. Fans are invited to arrive early to enjoy a pregame concert in Riverview Corner by American Idol winner and lifelong Cardinals fan, Trent Harmon.

On Tuesday, September 12, the Cardinals will host Old School Wrestling Night at Busch Stadium. With the purchase of a special theme ticket, fans will receive a specially designed Cardinals World Championship Belt t-shirt. Fans will also be able to enjoy a pregame autograph session/meet and greet featuring old-school legends “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Road Warrior Animal and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

On Thursday, September 14, the Cardinals are teaming up with FOX 2 and KPLR Channel 11 to host the 13th annual Career Day at Busch Stadium presented by Westminster College. Geared toward high school students and educators, Career Day features a special pregame Q&A/panel discussion with executives from the Cardinals, FOX 2, KPLR and Westminster College, focusing on careers in sports and media, followed by an exclusive College Fair with representatives from many colleges and universities around the Midwest. Each $15 Career Day ticket includes access to all of the pregame activities, a ticket to the 12:45 p.m. game against the Cincinnati Reds, as well as a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and chips.

As the school year kicks into gear, the Cardinals invite all college students to Busch Stadium for one last summer bash at College Night III. All fans that purchase a special $20 theme ticket for the game on Tuesday, September 26, against the Chicago Cubs will receive an exclusive Cardinals baseball t-shirt, designed by STL Style.

Fans can purchase tickets for these Theme Nights and view the remaining 2017 Theme schedule at cardinals.com/theme. (#CardsTheme

Press Release from the Chicago Cubs

CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Cubs today placed infielder Addison Russell on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to August 2) with a right foot strain and recalled left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa.

Zastryzny will available for the Cubs this afternoon as they begin their three-game series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.

The 25-year-old Zastryzny joins the Cubs for the second time this season as he made one appearance during a brief stint with the club in May (4.0 IP, 3 ER). He is 1-2 with one save and a 6.67 ERA (20 ER/27.0 IP) in 10 appearances, three as a starter, with Iowa this season. Zastryzny spent two months on the disabled list due to a lat injury and has made two starts with Iowa since being activated on July 25. He made his big league debut with the Cubs last season, going 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA (2 ER/16.0 IP) in eight appearances, one as a starter. He struck out 17 batters in the 16.0 innings pitched while limiting opponents to a .207 batting average and posting a 1.06 WHIP.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Zastryzny was originally selected by the Cubs in the second round of the 2013 Draft out of the University of Missouri. He is 18-18 with a 4.67 ERA (192 ER/370.0 IP) in 86 minor league appearances, including 74 starts, in five minor league campaigns.
Russell, 23, is batting .241 (77-for-319) with 20 doubles, 10 homers and 36 RBI in 97 games with the Cubs this season.

From the Southern Illinois Miners

The Southern Illinois Miners announce that Harrisburg baseball coach Jay Thompson and former Du Quoin head football coach Bob Karnes will be the next two coaches to join the Southern Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame, presented by Southern Illinois Healthcare, in a pregame on-field ceremony on Tuesday, August 8th before the Miners take on the Normal CornBelters at 7:05 p.m.

Thompson, who has coached Harrisburg High School baseball for 30 seasons, is the first high school baseball coach to join the ranks of the Southern Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame. He took over the head coaching job in the 1981-82 school year, and seven years later led the Bulldogs to the Class AA State Championship in 1989. Thompson’s first stint in the dugout would last until 1992 and include back-to-back second-place state tournament finishes in 1991 and 1992, but he returned to the school in 1994 and would coach for another ten consecutive seasons, helping the Bulldogs to another second-place finish at the state tournament in 2003 as well as a fourth-place finish in 1995.

Thompson would also coach the baseball team at Harrisburg in 2006, sandwiched between five seasons that were coached by his brother, Joe, and he then returned to the dugout as head coach in 2010, where he has remained up until the present day. Overall, Thompson has amassed over 700 career wins, ranking inside the state’s top-15 all-time, and at the close of the 2016 season owned a record of 720 wins and 211 losses for a win percentage of .773, winning 20 IHSA Regional titles and eight Sectional championships. He was also inducted into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1997, with Harrisburg’s home baseball field named after him last year.
For Karnes, he becomes the second Du Quoin football coach to be inducted into the Southern Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame, joining his successor Al Martin who was honored on July 25th. Karnes himself had a 20-year run at Du Quoin beginning in 1968, and his first team ran the table, going 10-0 to start what would be one of the region’s all-time great careers. In his 20 seasons, Karnes’ teams finished with a winning record 17 times, winning five conference championships and finishing unbeaten twice. His teams qualified for the state playoffs in his final four seasons from 1984-87 and were state quarterfinalists in 1987, semifinalists in 1985 and state runners-up in 1986. Overall, Karnes went 136-59-4 as head coach of the Indians for a .683 winning percentage, and was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1988.
Tickets for Tuesday night’s game can be purchased online at southernillinoisminers.com, over the phone at (618) 998-8499 or at the Rent One Park box office.
The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 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.

From the Southern Illinois Miners

FLORENCE, KY – 

The Southern Illinois Miners led for the whole game on Friday night against the Florence Freedom, scoring three runs in the first inning to back Chris Washington in a 6-4 triumph on the road at UC Health Stadium, securing the club’s third straight win and fourth in their last five games overall.

Before a single out was recorded in the first inning by Florence starter Tony Vocca (6-5), the Miners pounced on him as Craig Massey led off with a double. Romeo Cortina then singled him home for a 1-0 Miners lead, and three pitches later, Nolan Earley smacked a two-run home run into the Florence bullpen in right field to make the score 3-0.

Florence would get a run back in the bottom of the first to make it 3-1, but Washington (2-3) kept Southern Illinois in the lead. He would settle down for two scoreless frames in the second and third innings before the Miners got two more runs in the fourth. Ryan Lashley and Anthony Critelli singled and doubled, respectively, to put runners at second and third base with no one out. Ryan Sluder‘s sacrifice fly made the score 4-1, and Massey’s RBI groundout increased the lead to 5-1. Again, Florence would score a run to answer in the bottom half, but on an RBI double by Garrett Vail to score that run, Keivan Berges tried scoring from first base as well, and was thrown out at the plate by Massey and Sluder to make it 5-2 after four innings.

Florence would get within two runs at 5-3 in the seventh inning on a solo homer by Daniel Fraga, but in the ninth, the Miners added on again as Sluder led off with a double and was sacrificed to third base. After an intentional walk to Massey, Cortina’s second RBI single of the game pushed the lead out to 6-3. Yet again, Florence scored a run in their half of the ninth on a two-out bloop double by Jose Brizuela to make the score 6-4, but John Werner shut the door after that for his 15th save of the season as the Miners won the series opener

Washington would pitch five innings, scattering ten hits but permitting just two runs to score with one walk and four strikeouts to get the win on the mound. Offensively, Cortina and Earley drove in two runs apiece, while six different Miners scored one run in the contest. Sluder’s double in the ninth inning also extended his hit streak to six games in a row, while Massey’s double in the first pushed his streak out to ten games. With his 15th save, Werner also moved into second place on the Miners’ all-time career saves list, breaking a tie with Travis Hope (2007).

Southern Illinois will look for a fourth-straight win on Saturday in the second game of the series against the Freedom at 5:05 p.m.

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 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.

From the Southern Illinois Miners

The Southern Illinois Miners trailed for about half of the game against the Gateway Grizzlies at Rent One Park on Thursday night, but went ahead on a big home run by Ryan Sluder in the fifth inning, then collected five more runs in the seventh to pull away for a 7-1 win, taking the series two games to one.

In the first inning, after a single by Dan Holst and a walk by Joel McKeithan, Blake Brown’s RBI single made it 1-0 Gateway against Zach Cooper. But Cooper (3-8) would settle down from there, getting a double play groundout to end the first inning, working around two walks in the second and holding the Grizzlies off the board the rest of his outing. He ended up with a quality start on the hill, pitching six frames and surrendering just four hits and three walks with five strikeouts in earning the win.

The Miners trailed by the 1-0 score until they got to Will Anderson (2-10) in the fifth inning. After Ben Moore reached with one out on an infield hit and went to second base on an error, Sluder came up two batters later, and on an 0-2 pitch clubbed his second home run in as many nights, a go-ahead, two-run shot down the left field line, to put the Miners in front 2-1.

The score remained 2-1 Miners until the bottom of the seventh inning, when after a leadoff walk by Craig Massoni and a bunt single by Brett Wiley, Anderson departed. Moore sacrificed the runners to second and third base, and Gateway chose to intentionally walk Anthony Critelli to load the bases and bring up Sluder, who singled to left field to make it 3-1. London Lindley‘s RBI single then expanded the lead to 4-1 before Craig Massey struck the big blow of the inning, clearing the bases with a triple for a 7-1 Miners cushion.

Gateway would get no closer against the Southern Illinois bullpen as the Miners won the series by taking the final two contests against the Grizzlies. Sluder went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs to set a career-high. Lindley also finished 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI while Massey drove in three on his lone base hit as Southern Illinois took the rubber match to cap off their long homestand.

Southern Illinois next heads on the road to take on the Florence Freedom at UC Health Stadium. Chris Washington will pitch the opener of the weekend series on Friday against the Freedom’s Tony Vocca beginning at 6:05 p.m. CDT.

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 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.