Box Score

Paducah, Ky. (May 25, 2002) - Behind a gutsy performance on two days rest by pitcher Brad Purcell, the Southeast Missouri State Indians Baseball team won its second OVC Tournament Title today over the Eagles of Tennessee Tech by the score of 13-1.

Southeast got on the board first as senior second baseman Clemente Bonilla doubled down the right field line. Junior left fielder Brian Hopkins singled to right field scoring Bonilla. Senior center fielder Vern Hatton then popped the ball up to short right field but the second baseman bobbled the ball, although he recovered to throw out Hopkins at second. Hatton then proceeded to steal second base. Junior catcher Tristen McDonald then came through and singled to right to score Hatton. The Indians would finish the inning with a 2-0 lead.

Southeast added to the lead in the second as freshman first baseman Eric Hoffman was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Junior third baseman Denver Stuckey doubled moving Hoffman to third and Bonilla was walked to load the bases. Hopkins then came through with a single to score Hoffman and Stuckey, moving the score to 4-0. Hatton then was hit by a pitch to load the bases and McDonald singled through the right side to score the fifth run of the game. Borowiak then drove a fly ball to deep right center to drive in Hopkins. That put McDonald and Hatton at second and third. Hatton then was off with the next pitch and stole home for the seventh run of the game.

As Tech recorded the final out of the inning, the rains came in and caused an hour long rain delay. After the delay was over, Tech came out and scored a run to move the score to 7-1.

Southeast got two more runs in the fifth as they got hits from Bonilla and Lawson. The score now stood at 9-1.

The Tribe would get four more runs over the last four innings as senior starter Brad Purcell went 6.2 innings and senior Mark Frazier finished up the game allowing only one run between themselves.

Bonilla went 4-4 with two runs scored , one RBI, and two walks. McDonald was 3-5 with two RBI's and Hatton was 1-4, but scored three times.

Southeast now waits to find out where they will be playing for the NCAA Regionals to be played starting next Friday.

Southeast had five members of the All-Tournament Team including the Tournament MVP, Bonilla. Joining Bonilla on the team was Borowiak, McDonald, Hatton, and Purcell.