SIU Unable to Complete Sweep, Falls to Seton Hall 4-2

Sunday, March 1

1 PM

Southern Illinois University

3-7

Seton Hall

4-4

Seton Hall

Southern Ill.

Photo by: Abby Harris

03/01/2026 | 9:48:00 | Baseball

Box Score

By: Aaron Price, SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois was unable to finish off a weekend sweep Sunday afternoon, falling 4-2 to Seton Hall in the series finale.

The Salukis had taken the first two games of the set but could not generate enough offense late as the Pirates used an early burst and timely pitching to hold on.

Seton Hall jumped on the board in the first inning when Aiden Dill singled to shortstop, driving in Gabe Cavazzoni for a 1-0 lead. The Pirates added another run in the second on a solo home run to left by Ryan Frontera.

After SIU starter Gavan Wernsing ran into early trouble, the Saluki bullpen settled things down. Wernsing took the loss after allowing two runs on five hits over two innings. From there, Blake Kimball, Jackson Smith, Tyson Greene and Dawson Hargrove combined to keep SIU within striking distance, allowing just two more runs the rest of the way.

Seton Hall extended the lead in the fourth inning with the help of a Saluki error and a sacrifice bunt that brought home another run, pushing the advantage to 4-0.

The Dawgs answered in the bottom of the fourth. Julio Guerrero delivered the big swing, lining a two-run double to left-center that scored Jaden Flores and Michael Mylott to cut the deficit in half.

But that would be all the offense SIU could muster.

The Salukis finished with six hits on the day. Guerrero led the way with a hit and two RBIs, while Henry Kufa added two hits. Kristian Sprawling and Tim Simay each collected a hit as well.

SIU left 10 runners on base and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position, unable to capitalize on several late opportunities.

Seton Hall reliever Stephen Curry earned the win with a scoreless inning of work, and John Higgins locked down the final two innings for the save, striking out four.

UP NEXT
Southern Illinois hosts North Dakota State for a rare two-game midweek set beginning Tuesday at Itchy Jones Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.

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