Southern continued conference play with the first of a three-game series against the Evansville Purple Aces on Friday evening.

Senior starting pitcher Michael Baird threw a complete game shutout to take the first game of the series 2-0 against the Purple Aces (7-28, 1-9 MVC).

Baird (4-3) made things difficult for Evansville right from the start as he allowed only one hit through the first four innings.

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The senior starter cruised from there as he went on to close the game out with a season-high 12 strikeouts. He only allowed five hits and one walk.

The Salukis did not find their first run of the game until the fifth inning via a bases-loaded walk.

SIU scored one more run in the ninth on fielder’s choice to secure the 2-0 win.

Southern, as a whole, struggled offensively as they only strung together seven hits. However, the Salukis were consistent in making contact with the ball as they only tallied five strikeouts.

Senior first baseman Logan Blackfan came into the contest with a 21-game hitting streak, the fourth longest in program history, however, he finished o-3 with two walks, snapping the streak.

SIU (22-20, 5-5 MVC) will take on the Purple Aces tomorrow in the second game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. Senior pitcher Jamison Steege (4-3, 5.40 ERA) will get the start for Southern.

Sports reporter Dillon Gilliland can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @DillonGilliland.

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