Saluki Baseball wins first series against Wichita State since 2006

Sunday, May 1

Carbondale, Ill.

1:00 P.M.

Southern Illinois University

25-18-1, 0

Wichita St.

16-27, 0

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Wichita State	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	4	1
Southern Illinois	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	3	X	4	9	0

Saluki Baseball wins first series against Wichita State since 2006

05/01/2016 | 12:00:00 | Baseball

Box Score

May 1, 2016

Box Score

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Greg Lambert broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth with a sacrifice fly, helping Southern Illinois clinch the series over Wichita State with a 4-1 win on Sunday. The win gave the Salukis (25-18-1, 6-6 MVC) their first series win over the Shockers (16-27, 6-6 MVC) since 2006.

"This win is just another big step for this program and what we are trying to do with it," head coach Ken Henderson said. "This series win is huge for us. We competed well the last two days and I was pleased with the effort of our guys."

Southern got on the scoreboard first, scoring a run in the third inning for a 1-0 lead over the Shockers. Ryan Sabo hit a single into right field and scored when Will Farmer blasted a triple into the left field corner.

Working with a 1-0 lead, SIU starter Michael Baird showed why he is one of the best pitchers in the Missouri Valley Conference. Baird was nearly untouchable through the first seven innings of play, allowing only two hits. The sophomore ran into trouble in the eighth, as the Shockers tied the game with a solo home run to start the inning. After the home run, Baird went right back to work, getting the next three batters that he faced out.

Sabo started things in the bottom of the eighth with a hard hit single into left field. A perfectly placed sacrifice bunt by Will Farmer put Sabo into scoring position with one out. A Connor Kopach walk and Dyllin Mucha single later loaded the bases with one out for Lambert. With a chance to put the Salukis in front, Lambert hit a sacrifice fly that was caught in foul territory by the WSU first baseman, scoring Sabo for the lead. A throwing error on the play allowed Kopach to score for a 3-1 SIU lead. Logan Blackfan would cap off the scoring with an RBI double into right field.

Now working with a three-run cushion, Baird trotted back out onto the mound for one more inning. WSU never had a chance, as Baird sent the Shockers down in order for his seventh win of the season, the most for an SIU pitcher since 2012. With another complete game to his name, Baird now has gone the distance three times this season.

"All of my pitches were working today and I had a lot of fun on the mound," said Baird. "I was able to give my team a chance to win and it was great to see us get it. It was frustrating to give up the run in the eighth to break-up the shutout, but I regained my composure and was able to get back to work."

The Salukis had another strong offensive day, scoring the four runs on nine hits. Sabo led the way, hitting a perfect 3-for-3 against the Shocker pitching staff.

"Sabo had a really great day for us," Henderson said. "Ryan plays his rear-end off and nobody works or plays harder than him. Give credit to him because he deserves it after the way he competed today on offense and defense."

Southern will have a couple of days off from competition before hitting the road on Wednesday for a matchup against in-state foe Illinois. First pitch from Champaign is set for 3:30 p.m.