April 11, 2006

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By Nathan Saverino, Redhawks Sports Information

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Tuesday, April 11, 2006) - Andrew Graham's three-run home run in the top of the ninth on Tuesday was too little, too late for the Redhawks as they fell to the Salukis, 8-5. Southeast scored just two runs on eleven hits heading into the ninth inning, stranding 10 runners on base in the process.

The Southeast Missouri (12-18) base runners weren't the only ones having a hard time crossing the plate. Redhawks pitcher issued eight free passes to Southern Illinois (22-14), helping the Salukis score eight runs on only six hits. The eight walks ended up being the difference in the game, as five of the eight Salukis who reached base on walks came around to score.

Starter Phillip Riley (1-3) struggled with his control through 5.0 innings, as he issued six walks, hit a batter, and delivered a wild pitch. Riley allowed two hits, but gave up three runs in the third and one in the fifth. All four runners who scored were on base as a result of a walk.

Southeast squandered away several scoring opportunities throughout the game, including one in the second inning. Graham walked to lead off the inning, and came around to score after back-to-back singles by his brother Daryl Graham and Daniel Schuh. With no outs and runners on the corners, Daryl was thrown out at the plate trying to score on Robby Moore's bunt up the first base line. The inning ended with the next batter as Chad Mercado grounded into a 5-4-3 double play.

The Redhawks were still in the ball game heading into the bottom of the eighth trailing only 4-2. Matt Carter struggled in relief and all three batters he faced reached base. After a single and a walk to the first two batters, Nathan Emrick's bunt resulted in an errant throw to first from Carter that allowed both runners to score and Emrick to advance to third.

James Hibbard came on for Carter with no outs, and gave up two RBI doubles before closing the book on a four-run eighth inning that gave Southern Illinois an 8-2 lead.

Graham sent his first career homer over the wall in left with two outs, but the three runs weren't enough as the team fell 8-5. The freshman finished the day 3-4 with two runs scored and three RBIs.

Levi Olson and Andrew Johnson both saw hitting streaks come to an end today. Each went 0-1 in pinch-hit appearances. Olson's streak was snapped at six games, while Johnson had hit in four-straight.

Adam Snyder (4-1) picked up the win for the Salukis. He worked the third through fifth innings, gave up five hits, and one run.

Southeast Missouri State will make a daytrip to Columbia tomorrow as they take on the University of Missouri. The Redhawks beat the Tigers 4-3 two weeks ago as Daniel Schuh hit a walk-off homer. First pitch is slated for 6:00 p.m., and every pitch can be heard live on 1220 KGIR or on the internet at www.kgir.com