Southern Illinois University
Illinois St.
Salukis Win Series Finale Over Illinois State
04/15/2001 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
April 15, 2001
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (14-23, 8-12 MVC) finally beat Illinois State University (16-16, 8-8 in MVC) in a one run game when the Salukis pulled out a 5-4 win in the fourth and final one run game of the series on Sunday, April 15 at Abe Martin Field. The win snapped an SIU three game losing streak and evened the all-time series at 62-62.
"That win was huge. We didn't win as convincingly as we did last Sunday against Creighton (13-4) and that shows me that our guys didn't throw in the towel after losing three straight one run games," Dan Callahan, Saluki head coach stated.
"We played with intensity, executed well on defense and did the little things and found a way to win."
Illinois State jumped out to a 3-0 lead after three innings before the Salukis battled back. SIU scored five unanswered runs to take a 5-3 lead after five innings.
In the fourth the Salukis scored a single run when Justin Maurath drove in Luke Nelson on a fielder's choice.
SIU added four runs on just two hits and two errors in the fifth inning. John Clem led off with a double and Cory Newman and Ryan Murray reached on consecutive errors by the shortstop driving in Clem.
After Nelson reached on a fielder's choice which led to Newman being erased, Roman Schooley walked to load the bases. Maurath doubled to drive in Nelson and Murray. Jeff Stanek drove in the final run on a sacrifice fly for the 5-3 lead.
Murphysboro native Chad McCann (2-0) picked up his second win as a starting pitcher in his second attempt. McCann threw 132 pitches in seven innings of work. He struck out a career high eight Redbirds, walked three, allowed nine hits and three earned runs (four total). Scott Lucht picked up his third save in two innings of relief. ISU's Neil Johnson (1-3) suffered the loss.
"Chad McCann was big for us again. He is a perfect example of someone who has taken advantage of his opportunities. I'm happy for him. He works hard and I'm glad to see him have that success," added Callahan.
SIU was led by Maurath, who was 1-for-4 with a double and three-RBIs. Clem (1-for-1, double, run) and Schooley (1-for-2, run) combined for three sacrifices.
The Salukis travel to Cape Girardeau, Missouri to face Southeast Missouri State University on Wednesday, April 18 at 3 p.m. SIU will be back in Carbondale to host Southwest Missouri State University on April 20-22 at Abe Martin Field.
