Following an MVC series victory against the ISU Redbirds, SIU Baseball hosted the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri State University on April 7. The midweek matchup between the rival schools marked the end of an eight-game homestand for the Salukis. After an exciting back-and-forth battle, the Redhawks pulled out a late-game victory.
Ryan Halamicek started for the Dawgs, and the towering right-hander faced first-inning adversity. The Redhawks cashed the first run of the game with an RBI sacrifice bunt.
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The Redhawks tacked on another, this one unearned, on a groundout in the top of the second inning.
The Salukis loaded the bases in the third inning with just one out. Second baseman Tim Simay drew a four-pitch walk, forcing the first SIU run across the plate.
The Redhawks swiftly answered with a towering two-run homer in the top of the fourth, upping their lead to 4-1.
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Pinch hitter Kristian Sprawling got hit by a pitch to begin the sixth inning for the Salukis. Right fielder Kaleb Hall drew a walk, and third baseman Jaden Flored reached on an error. The Dawgs once again had the bases loaded, and the crowded Itchy Jones Stadium crowd came alive. Pinch hitter Kyle Mager came up and sent the second pitch he saw over the right field fence, giving the Salukis a 5-4 lead.
The Redhawks knotted the contest up at five runs apiece in the seventh inning and took a 6-5 lead on an RBI double in the ninth.
The Salukis could not generate a ninth-inning run and fell short of a victory.
With this loss, the Salukis fall to 12-19 overall with a 3-3 record in MVC play. The Redhawks improve to 23-10 overall. The Salukis resume conference play on the road to face the Purple Aces of the University of Evansville on April 10-12.
Sports Reporter Noah Petschke can be reached at [email protected]
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