Russell Conwell/Student Correspondent
Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

BENTON — The Benton Rangers opened SIRR Ohio play Monday at home with a 9-3 win over the Herrin Tigers.

Benton jumped on top in the bottom of the first with Tyler Chamness scoring off of Jacob Kinsman’s groundout.

Scoring went silent for a few innings. Then in the top of the third inning, Cameron Evrard hit a two-run home run to put the Tigers on top 2-1. Later in the inning, Nick Nemeth hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Cameron McEvers to put Herrin up 3-1.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Rangers’ started a rally of their own. It started with Chamness hitting an RBI double to score Chase Thomas, pulling the Rangers back within a run at 3-2. Then Asher Wyant hit a liner to left field that got down to score Chamness and Mason Tieffel, putting Benton on top. Wyant later scored as well for a 5-3 Benton lead going into the top of the sixth inning.

The Rangers stayed hot in the bottom of the sixth, with Evan Munoz scoring on an error, then Chamness added another RBI single to score Thomas for a 7-3 lead. Kinsman added two more runs with an RBI single to left field.

The Rangers closed it out in the seventh for their third straight win to improve to 5-4 (1-0). They’ll try to continue their winning streak when Harrisburg pays a visit Thursday.

The Tigers drop to 4-7 (0-1). They are scheduled to host Murphysboro Tuesday.