The wind was blowing out of the park as the Salukis took on Murray State University on the road. SIUC hit five round-trippers and had 17 hits as the Salukis crushed Murray State 20-3 in a game that ended after seven innings because of the 12-run rule.

The Salukis are 14-24 overall while Murray State moves to 14-27 on the season.

Baseball coach Dan Callahan said he was pleased with the way his team scored early and played well defensively to keep MSU out of the game.

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When you jump out early that does not mean that you can maintain that throughout the game, Callahan said. You’ve still got to pitch, and you’ve still got to play defense. Those are two areas that we did a good job on. (Chris) Schullian pitched very good.

By the second or third inning, he had pretty good command with his breaking ball. I though he and (Brian) Phelan were working well together as far as pitch sequences. And we made some good plays along the way too.

Schullian went six innings, gave up all three runs and got his fourth victory of the season. The runs came from Robert Weatherly’s three-run homer in the sixth.

Junior pitcher Justin Kees also played well when he finished the final inning, retiring all three hitters he faced. Callahan said if Kees can stay healthy, his velocity will be back in full force in about two or three weeks.

The pitching situation continues to be a problem for the Salukis. With only three starters, it is important for relievers such as Kees to continue to pitch well.

The starter for the Saturday matchup against Austin Peay State University will more than likely be junior pitcher Dave Piazza.

The Salukis will play Austin Peay on the road Saturday and then come back home for a game Sunday against the Governors. Austin Peay has a record of 17-25, and the Governors have lost six of their last 10 games.

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Callahan said the Salukis have a good shot of taking both games, but they have to continue to play consistently or they will find themselves in another slump.

You look at their record and look at our record, and say, Which one is the better team or which team is going to show up?,’ Callahan said. We have shown signs this year of being a very good team. Other times they are not very good.

Murray State is the same way. We talked to the coach after the game, and he said the same thing I’ve said countless times I just don’t know which team is going to show up.’

As well as we played [Wednesday], you like to think that was a little bit of a momentum builder for the game Saturday. If there was a formula where you could bottle consistency, somebody would be very wealthy.

The Salukis play Austin Peay on the road 4 p.m. Saturday and play the Governors again at home 2 p.m. Sunday.