Southern Illinois University
15-2, 0
Middle Tennessee
14-6, 0
Salukis Win 10th Straight as They Take Down MTSU
03/09/2023 | 8:53:00 | Softball
Carbondale, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Salukis began play at the Middle Tennessee State Invitational on Thursday night as they took on host MTSU for game one. In what was a close game for all seven innings, the Salukis came out on top by a final score of 5-3. With the win, the Dawgs have won 10 straight games as they improve to 15-2 on the season.
"That is a good MTSU team," said head coach Jen Sewell following the win. "We weren't convinced we were going to get a complete game against their hitters so we piggy backed Madi Eberle with Stinson and I thought they really did a good job throwing outs. They weren't trying to strike people out, they were throwing to the defense."
Madi Eberle made the start for the Salukis and gave up two earned runs through the first three innings. With the game still tied at 3-3, Elliott Stinson took over in the circle and shut the Blue Raiders down for the remainder of the game. Through four innings of work, Stinson gave up just three hits with two strikeouts including a one-two-three inning in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.
Five different Salukis tallied a hit with Rylie Hamilton leading the way going 2-for-4 with an RBI-double to get the game going in the first inning. Hamilton is hitting .357 on the year for the Salukis as she also leads them with four home runs and 18 RBIs.
Not only getting it done at the plate but making plays at third base as well, Hamilton's defense saved a run for the Salukis in the bottom of the third inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Hamilton made a diving stop and was able to make the throw in time from her knees to outstretched catcher Anna Carder at home plate. Madi Eberle struck out the next batter as the Salukis got out of the inning still tied 3-3.
"Rylie Hamilton is one of the best third basemen I've seen play the game," said Sewell. "So impressed by her on offense and defense right now and the leadership and accountability she provides our team has really been a step up for her."
Freshman Anna Carder also provided a big hit for the Salukis in the top half of the third inning as hit a line drive to the left center wall that scored a pair of runs. Carder's 12 RBIs on the season are tied for the third-most on the team.
With the game still tied at 3-3 in the top of the seventh inning with the bases loaded and two outs, Aubree DePron was able to put the barrel on the ball and force the MTSU defense to make a play. While the Blue Raider pitcher muffled the ball just slightly, DePron's speed was too much as she made it safely reaching by error and giving the Salukis a 4-3 lead. A wild pitch would lead to another run for SIU as it held on to the lead winning the game 5-3.
"We are finding ways to win. Even when we don't play perfect we find a spark. This is an important weekend to challenge ourselves with teams we don't often get to see," emphasized coach Sewell. "That win is a good win. This team loves to play ball and we have a big day tomorrow. They are itching to get back on the field."
Up next for the Salukis is a doubleheader on Friday, March 10 for day two of the MTSU Invite. The Salukis will take on Appalachian State first at 11:30 AM followed by a matchup with Western Illinois scheduled for 2 PM.
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Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Softball, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiSoftball and on Instagram at @SIU_Softball. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Stinson, Elliott (0-0)
L: CONNORS, Paige (5-2)
Batting:
2B: Lis, Jackie 1 ; Hamilton, Rylie 1 ; Carder, Anna 1
RBI: Hamilton, Rylie 1 ; Carder, Anna 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Lis, Jackie 3 ; Hamilton, Rylie 2
HBP: Carder, Anna 1
Batting:
2B: BLEVINS, Ansley 1
RBI: HARVEY, Anyce 1 ; BLEVINS, Ansley 1
Base Running:
RUNS: MEALER, Laura 1 ; GARCIA, Julia 1 ; BLEVINS, Ansley 1
SB: MEALER, Laura 1 ; HARVEY, Anyce 3 ; BEHABETZ, Savannah 1
