The Salukis dug themselves a hole they couldn’t get out of in one bad inning against University of Tennessee-Martin.

SIU (2-2) lost 9-4 against UT-Martin (1-3) Tuesday in Martin, Tenn., and the Skyhawks used a seven-run third inning to distance themselves from the Salukis.

The score was tied 0-0 as the game entered the bottom of the third inning. UT-Martin started with a single and a walk given up by sophomore right-handed pitcher Bryan Waldrop, followed by a three-run homer from Skyhawk right fielder Jordan Owen.

After third baseman Matt Haynes hit an RBI-double for the Skyhawks, designated hitter Wade Collins blasted a three-run home run of his own to cap off the seven-run inning.

Waldrop (0-1) finished the inning but was taken out afterwords. He allowed eight hits and seven runs, all earned. The Saluki bullpen pitched the last five innings and allowed four hits and two runs, both earned.

Skyhawk starting pitcher Willie Frederick earned the win (1-0), giving up four hits, two earned runs and striking out four.

Junior left fielder Jordan Sivertsen went 1-for-4 with two RBI’s for the Salukis.

SIU travels to Western Kentucky for a three-game series starting Friday.