The ‘Shoes would light up the scoreboard for 12 runs, a season high and 11 hits, and that would be more than enough for the pitching staff, who would only allow one run(s) on six hits.

Jacob Compton continued to swing a hot bat. His two-RBI double in the first inning kicked off the scoring, and gave the ‘Shoes an early 2-0 lead.

Drew Ezard is also making his presence felt so far this season, his leadoff double in the third paved the way for an RBI single from Jack Gorman.

Nasir Frederick added an RBI single of his own in his debut for the ‘Shoes, scoring Gorman, and doubling the first inning lead.

Frederick’s attempt to steal second would lead to a throwing error by Gems’ catcher Jonathan Latham, and Payton Pennington would make him pay with yet another RBI single right up the middle.

The ‘Shoes would lead 5-0 after three.

Gems starter Gage Yost would leave the game after the three-run third, allowing four earned runs on 72 pitches.

GaviN Bergman was in little need of help, as he put up goose eggs through five innings.

The ‘Shoes would continue to pad his room for error in the bottom of the inning, Payton Pennington would have another RBI opportunity after two hit-by-pitches and one walk, loading the bases. Another hit-by-pitch would add to his RBI total, extending the lead to six.

Even with a six-run lead, the ‘Shoes did not let up.

A wild pitch led to a bang-bang play at home, but Jacob Compton disrupted the throw back to home just enough for the ball to get away again. Nasir Frederick showed off his speed on the play and tacked on another run, lighting a fire in Robin Roberts stadium, and giving the ‘Shoes a comfortable 8-0 lead.

Jonathan Latham salvaged a small portion of his forgettable fielding night with an opposite-field home run off Bergman to make it 8-1, but it was too little too late.

Jacob Compton put the ‘Shoes in double digits for the first time this season with a towering two-run blast.

For every Batman, there is a Robin, and Payton Pennington added two more RBIs of his own with a frozen rope to left center, scoring Jack Gorman and Cade Henneman, and putting the ‘Shoes ahead by 11.

Compton and Pennington combined for eight RBIs (four each), and went 5-for-7 with four extra base hits.

Jackson Nichols was sent in to close the deal in the seventh. Two strikeouts and a groundout later, and the ‘Shoes took home the mercy-rule win, a win that was desperately needed after the heartbreaker in Alton on Friday night.

Gavin Bergman (1-0) earned his first win, and Gems starter Gage Yost (0-1) took home his first loss.

The ‘Shoes end a three-game skid, and move to 4-7 on the season. They will host the Bees of Burlington on Sunday at 2:17 p.m.

The Gems fall to 5-6, and will look to rebound as they will host the Normal Cornbelters on Sunday night.