Pitching Duel Ends Abruptly for the Indians :: Reliever Matt Carter gives up four in the 9th

March 21, 2004

Cape Girardeau, MO. - Starting pitcher Mike Fitch gave the fans at Capaha Park something to cheer about this afternoon. Fitch, a junior this year, came into the game looking to improve on an 0-2 record and almost did it. Fitch threw eight innings in this contest, holding the SMS Bears to two runs on four hits. Fitch, who struck out eight batters, has been a solid performer for the Indians this year, contrary to his 0-2 start. However, not to be outdone, SMS starter Jeff Gray was just a bit better. Gray pitched a full game today, holding the Indians to two runs on five hits as the Bears beat the Tribe 6-2.

Fitch was steady throughout, never letting SMS capitalize on any major scoring chances. Fitch pitched through jam after jam today, but was pulled in the eighth inning by head coach Mark Hogan. Hogan replaced Fitch with reliever Matt Carter. Carter did not fare nearly as well. Carter was touched for four runs on four hits in 2/3 of an inning of work.

Carter, a walk-on freshmen from Carlinville, IL., almost got himself out of the inning with two outs by picking off the SMS runner at first base. It seemed as though first basemen Greg Gilbert got the tag down in time, but the runner was ruled safe. It was after this point Carter as well as the Indians' defense seemed to come apart. Southeast recorded three errors in the top of the ninth as they watched the Bears run away with the game.

Game Notes

First basemen Greg Gilbert would come in to replace Carter on the mound and gave up one hit. Southeast now drops to 8-9 overall and has lost their first game at home on the season.

Starting First basemen/relief pitcher Gary Gilbert now leads the Indians with 12 RBIs on the season after picking up another today. Frankie Montiel, who did not play today, has launched his batting average up to .429 on the season to lead all Southeast batters. The next game for Southeast will be the Southern Illinois University Salukis in Carbondale. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.. Southeast's next home game will be this upcoming Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. against the University of Missouri Tigers.