Southern Illinois University
Missouri St.
Baseball Falls to SMS, 12-1
04/20/2003 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
April 20, 2003
Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois (21-17, 12-7) had more errors than it did hits and Southwest Missouri State (23-15, 12-6) took advantage of a brilliant complete game pitching performance by Bob Zimmerman to post a 12-1 win earlier today at Abe Martin Field. The game, which was called after seven innings due to the league's 10-run rule, wrapped up a 3-1 series win for the Bears.
With the series win, SMS (12-6) moved into somewhat of a tie for first in the MVC, as Wichita State (11-5) dropped three out of four to Bradley. However, since the league standings are primarily based on winning percentage, the Shockers (.688) still appear to have a slight edge over the Bears (.666). As for SIU (.632), it dropped to third among conference foes.
SIU starter Jerel Deitering (1-4) fell apart in the top of the first, allowing consecutive walks to SMS' first two hitters, Dant'e Brinkley and Brooks Colvin. With one out, Rick Wilson ripped a two-RBI double to right center to give the Bears a 2-0 lead, and that was all for Deitering.
The Salukis answered with a run in the bottom of the first when Sal Frisella doubled home P.J. Finigan, who walked in the leadoff spot.
Unfortunately for SIU, that was all the offense it would have, as SMS used two more runs in the second to take a comfortable 4-1 lead into what would turn out to be a wild third.
With one out in the top of the third, Saluki reliever Eric Haberer walked Tim Rafferty. On the ensuing play, Haberer launched a throw over first baseman Josh Markle's head in attempt to pick off Rafferty. Haberer's move to first, however, was ruled a balk and Rafferty scored all the way from first.
Once Rafferty crossed home, the mayhem began, as the umpires motioned for Rafferty to return to the basepaths. To make a long story short, the officiating crew had to check the NCAA Rule Book prior to changing its call.
By ruling, if a balk is immediately followed by a wild throw to a base that permits a runner (s) to advance to or beyond the base to which that runner is entitled, the balk shall be ignored and the ball remains live. In this case, the SMS coaching staff won the legitimate argument, and as a result, the Bears boosted their lead to 5-1.
After four errors by third baseman Nathan Boldt helped SMS to a 9-1 lead after six, Clay Wheeler blasted a three-run homer over the left field wall in the top of the seventh. Wheeler's smash, which marked the only home run of the series, was the knock out punch in SMS' 12-1, seven-inning win.
Zimmerman moved to 3-2 on the year after scattering just three hits, allowing one run and striking out six in seven innings of work.
Wheeler went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a homer and three RBI to lead the Bears at the plate. Several others, including Brinkley, Wilson, Shaun Marcum and Tony Piazza also posted multiple hits. SMS finished with 13 hits in the contest.
Finigan, Boldt and Frisella combined for SIU's quiet three hits.
SIU will head to Evansville for a four-game series beginning Friday, April 25 at 6 p.m.
