The lost another close game Saturday night to the Southern Illinois Miners, 3-2, in Marion, Ill.
Southern Illinois pitchers Ryan Zink (1-0) and Corey Cowser combined to hold the Crushers to five hits.
The Crushers (6-8) took an early lead on an RBI double by Andrew Davis in the top of the first. The Miner got a two-run single by Jereme Milons in the bottom of the third to go up, 2-1, and took a 3-1 lead in the seventh when Justin Randall scored from third on a squeeze bunt by Erik Church.
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Patrick Norris brought home Nick Mahin with an infield single in the top of the eighth to get the Crushers within one, 3-2, but Cowser struck out Davis to end the inning. He then retired the side in order in the ninth to wrap up the game.
Paul Fagan (0-2) took the loss for the Crushers.
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The win was the fourth straight for the Miners (11-3). They have won nine out of their last 10 games.
The two teams play the final game of the series at 6:05 p.m. Sunday. Andrew Weeks (2-0, 2.81) gets the start for the Crushers.
The Crushers have Monday off before beginning a three-game series in Normal, Ill., against the Normal Cornbelters on Tuesday.
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