The Salukis have lost 16 games by three runs or less this season, and the team looks to improve on late-game errors for these final 11 games.

It seems every time the Salukis are close to sealing a win, there is some extraordinary error or play that deflates them.

The team can be in good shape for the playoffs if it can improve on these minor errors.

There is more emphasis on the team’s mental state in the playoffs. I see no reason why SIU won’t return to the MVC championship for the second-consecutive year if the team’s morale is high and the Salukis can travel well and play through adversity.

The Salukis have worked against themselves more than their opponents this season. SIU has 64 errors to its opponents’ 59 errors and have a .961 team fielding percentage.

Senior outfielder Austin Montgomery has been a team leader in batting this season, as he boasts a .337 batting average. Montgomery hit his sixth home run during Saturday’s game against the Wichita State Shockers and has driven in 34 RBIs this year. With Montgomery feeling confident, he can get the Salukis going when the team needs offense.

Besides Montgomery, junior infielder Jake Welch has a high .317 batting average and provides a spark for the Salukis in base running. Welch has 17 stolen bases on 19 attempts and has also posted 42 runs this season. Along with having an offensive side, Welch holds a .950 fielding percentage and has put out 79 runners this season. With a player such as Welch on a hot streak going into the the season’s tail end, he can provide the spark the team could use late in the season.

The Salukis’ struggle this year has been hitting with runners on base. SIU has left several runners stranded and left 14 runners on base in an April 21 game against Creighton University. The team has tried to improve hitting in situations with runners on base during practice. However, head coach Ken Henderson, said there is no way to recreate a genuine game scenario in practice.

Saluki pitching has been consistent throughout the season. Team ace senior pitcher Cody Forsythe broke the SIU record in career starts Friday with his win against WSU. Forsythe has a seasonal 2.79 ERA and has struck out 45 batters, which is second on the team to sophomore pitcher Sam Coonrod, who has 48 strikeouts on the season.

Mid-inning relief has been an Saluki strength, especially with junior pitcher Matt Murphy. Murphy is often the first guy out of the bullpen once a starter is removed from a game. He has eight strikeouts and has a 3-3 record after 14 appearances and has allowed only seven earned runs.

The Salukis are a good pick to advance far in the MVC tournament because of its strong pitching staff and a surging offense. It took a while for the Salukis to get moving, but, this team should be a force to reckon with with a strong season finish.