MARION, Ill. - Gateway took the first game against the Miners, 5-2, Monday night at Rent One Park. Grizzlies starter Blake Barber went seven strong innings for the win as Gateway evened the season series, 2-2. Paul Tremlin closed the game out for Gateway, picking up his first save of the season. Darrin Tew (2-1) went five innings, but took the loss for the Miners after allowing five runs off five hits. Kent Gerst led the way for the Grizzlies, going 4-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored in his return to Rent One Park.

Gateway broke a 1-1 tie and exploded for three runs in the third inning, highlighted by three consecutive hits by the top three batters in the order. Joe Agreste broke the inning open with a two-run triple that scored Gerst and DJ Fitzgerald. The final run of the inning would score on a sacrifice fly with runners at the cornersthat turned into a double play at first base. However, Agreste crossed the plate just before the third out was recorded.

Gerst led the game off with a solo blast to left field, his fifth home run of the season in just 10 games. Gerst ended the night a triple short of the cycle, as he reached base fives times including a walk and stolen base. He also crossed the plate for three of the Grizzlies five runs Monday.

Will Block tied the game, 1-1, with his solo homer in the bottom half of the first inning. It was Block’s team-leading 10th home run of the season.

Blake Barber came into the game with a 6.26 ERA, but slimmed it down to 5.51 with seven innings of two-run ball. The righty allowed five hits while striking out five and walking two to even his record with his second win of the season.

Tew went five innings in a spot start. He allowed five runs off five hits, while striking out five and walking two on the way to his first loss of the year. Miners pitching combined to strike out 10 Gateway hitters Monday night as Ricky McGraw and Erik Draxton worked four scoreless innings following Tew’s departure.

Tuesday the Miners will have southpaw Shawn Joy (3-3, 3.44) will return from the injured list and start on the mound opposing Gateway lefty Jake Donze (0-0, 3.00). First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. for Game 2 of the series from Rent One Park. It will be a Two 4 Tuesday presented by Mediacom and Withers Broadcasting with a Myron Noodleman appearance.