Box Score

Cape Girardeau, Mo. (May 12, 2002) - A ninth inning grand slam from Eastern Illinois' first baseman Brian Nickell was the difference today as the Indians of Southeast Missouri fell to the Panthers by the score of 8-4. The game was the last home contest this season for Southeast.

The Tribe got another superb pitching performance from junior Donnie Fuller today as he went five innings allowing just two hits, no runs and striking out seven. Senior Mark Frazier and junior Tim Alvarez combined to let in all eight runs in relief.

Senior second baseman Clemente Bonilla in his last home game went 2-3 with two RBI's, a run and a double. Junior third baseman and junior shortstop Zach Borowiak each had two hits for the Indians.

Southeast got on the board first in the first Stuckey started the game off with a single to left, then stole second. He then advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly from Bonilla.

The Indians scored again in the third as Stuckey started things off again doubling down the left field line. He then stole third and scored on a single from Bonilla up the middle. Bonilla would start things off in the fifth inning as he doubled to start the inning. Borowiak walked and senior centerfielder Vern Hatton singled up the middle driving in Bonilla. Junior catcher Tristen McDonald reached on an error by the third baseman scoring Borowiak.

The lead was then 4-0 and it looked as if the Indians were cruising to a series sweep and their 15th OVC victory. But then the EIU bats came to life. The Panthers proceeded to score a run in each of the next three innings bringing the score to 4-3 going into the ninth inning.

OVC leading hitter Pete Pirman reached on an error to start the inning. Third baseman Ben Duke singled behind him advancing Pirman to second. Brad Weitekamp got a pinch hit single loading the bases. Southeast reliever Alvarez then walked catcher Tim Aurrichio to tie the game and Nickell came up and delivered the big blow, blasting a shot to left field for the grand slam.

Southeast would not score in the bottom of the ninth and lost the game 8-4. Then now look to Tuesday as they travel to Fayetteville, Ark. to take on the Razorbacks of the University of Arkansas in a mid-week series. They then travel to Morehead, Ky. to finish the regular season with a weekend series with the Eagles of Morehead State.