Salukis lose to Shockers, 20-6, in seven innings

Saturday, March 21

Carbondale, Ill.

2:00 PM

Southern Illinois University

3-18, 0

Wichita State

10-12, 0

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Wichita State	2	2	0	8	3	5	0	20	18	2
Southern Illinois	2	0	4	0	0	0	0	6	8	2

03/21/2015 | 12:00:00 | Baseball

Box Score

March 21, 2015

Box Score | Photo Gallery

By Rico Cruz
SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - An eight-run fourth inning helped Wichita State send Southern Illinois to a 20-6 run-rule loss in seven innings at Itchy Jones Stadium Saturday afternoon. The Salukis (3-18, 0-2 MVC) did not score a run after the third inning, while WSU (10-12, 2-0 MVC) scored 16 runs in three innings.

"That was four innings of as bad as pitching as you'll ever see in terms of command in the zone," SIU head coach Ken Henderson said. "It was either a ball or it was right the down the middle belt high."

After falling behind, 2-0, after the top of the first inning, SIU tied the game with a pair of runs of their own. A lead-off double by Chase Slone gave the Salukis an early runner in scoring position. Slone scored when a WSU error allowed Will Farmer to reach second. Jake Hand tied the game at 2-2with an RBI single.

The Shockers scored two more runs in the second inning on a two-run home run by Tanner Kirk to take a 4-2 lead.

Southern rallied again, scoring four runs in the third to take its first lead of the game. The Salukis loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a walk. A Ryan Sabo walk brought in the first run of the inning to make the score 4-3. After a WSU pitching change, SIU tied the game on a wild pitch. A sacrifice fly from Dyllin Mucha and Slone single gave SIU its first lead of the game at 6-4.

SIU's momentum evaporated in the fourth inning when the Shockers scored eight runs. The Salukis made three pitching changes and when the inning finally ended, they trailed, 12-6.

WSU scored eight more runs in the next two innings to grab a double-digit lead. SIU could not score a run in the seventh inning to extend the game, as back-to-back strikeouts ended the game.

SIU starter Bryce Sablotny pitched 3.0 innings but did not figure in the decision. Michael Baird (0-3) took the loss as all five Saluki pitchers surrendered at least two runs.

The Salukis scored their six runs on two hits. Slone also extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

"Offensively, this might have been our best game because of our approaches," said Henderson. "We were hitting the ball backside, guys were battling and competing, and we picked guys up."

Southern will look to end the series finale on a positive note on Sunday, when Kyle Pruemer takes the mound for the Salukis. First pitch will be set for 1p.m. at Itchy Jones Stadium.