Southern Illinois University
Missouri St.
Southwest Missouri Downs SIU, Wins Series 3-1
04/22/2001 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
April 22, 2001
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (15-27, 9-15 MVC) was routed 11-2 by Southwest Missouri State University (26-14, 14-6 MVC) in the series finale Sunday, April 21 at Abe Martin Field.
SIU has lost three of four games in each of the last three MVC series and is in a tough position with eight road games left.
"The bottom line is we didn't pitch well enough to stay in the game. (Bill) Clayton struggled with his command and (Victor) Hockett was good in the fifth even though he did a good job later, but it was too little too late," noted Dan Callahan, Saluki head coach.
SIU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning behind an error, a single, a sacrifice and a ground ball by Luke Nelson scoring Jeff Stanek.
SMS responded with three runs in the third inning, two runs in the fourth and five runs in the fifth inning to take a commanding 10-1 lead and chase SIU starter Bill Clayton (2-4).
The Salukis had a chance to bounce back with bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth. SIU followed with two strikeouts and a ground ball out to end the inning with no runs. SIU never really threatened to get back in the game after the fifth except for a single run in the ninth inning after SMS led 11-1.
"We had some poor at bats. We had guys at the plate with no purpose. When we had the bases loaded and didn't put the ball in play or put any pressure on the defense with two strikeouts and a weak ground ball you're not going win," said Callahan.
"Sometimes you get greedy and think about hitting a home run to cut the lead to 10-5. You can't expect a home run but you should expect a couple good at bats and we gave away too many at bats."
The Salukis were led by Greg Andrews (2-for-3, run), Stanek (1-for-2, run), Sal Frisella (1-for-3) and Cory Newman (1-for-3).
Andrew Jefferson (1-1) pitched seven innings to get the win for the Bears. Bill Clayton took the loss for SIU lasting just four innings.
The Salukis will host Murray State University on Wednesday, April 25 at 3 p.m. at Abe Martin Field.
