Recap | Salukis' Comeback Bid Falls Short in 9-7 Loss at Indiana State

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Oct 17

2 PM

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Eastern Illinois University

Oct 24

2 PM

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Central Methodist University

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Southern Illinois rallied from an early seven-run deficit but fell short, dropping the opening game of its weekend series against Indiana State, 9-7, Friday night at Bob Warn Field.

The Salukis (23-10, 6-4 MVC) found themselves trailing early after a pair of three-run innings by the Sycamores, who capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting. SIU starter Tyler Timmerman (5-2) allowed five runs (three earned) on two hits and two walks in just an inning of work.

Indiana State (17-16, 6-4 MVC) jumped out quickly with three runs in the first inning, sparked by an RBI hit-by-pitch and a two-run single from Josue Taylor. The Sycamores extended their lead to 6-0 in the second, capitalizing on two Saluki errors that brought across three unearned runs.

Trailing 8-2 in the sixth inning, Southern Illinois mounted a rally with a four-run frame. Mason Schwalbach drove in a run with a fielder's choice, and Jaxon Holder delivered a two-run double to pull SIU within striking distance. Holder then scored on a wild pitch, trimming the Sycamore lead to just two runs.

Holder finished the day 1-for-2 with two RBIs and two walks, providing a spark at the bottom of the lineup. Kaleb Hall contributed two hits, while Gabe Petrucelli added a triple and scored a run. Southern Illinois tallied 10 hits on the night but left nine runners stranded.

In the eighth inning, the Salukis made one final push. Holder walked to open the frame, advanced to third on Jordan Bach's single, and scored on Matt Schark's sacrifice fly to make it a one-run game at 8-7. But Indiana State answered right back in the bottom half, plating an insurance run on Taylor's successful squeeze bunt, pushing the final margin to 9-7.

Max McEwen (4-2) earned the win for the Sycamores, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits, striking out five. Geremy Morris pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn his second save of the season.

Despite the loss, Southern Illinois got strong relief pitching from Matt Irvine, who tossed a scoreless inning, and Cole Koonce, who kept the Salukis within reach with 3.2 innings, allowing two runs while striking out two.

UP NEXT
SIU and Indiana State return to the diamond Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m. CT. The game can be seen on ESPN Plus.

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