Feb. 24, 2006

Southeast Missouri State University opens the 2006 season at Capaha Field with a three-game series against the Jackson State Tigers. The teams will square off in a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m with each game being seven inning affairs. The series will wrap-up on Sunday with a nine inning afternoon game with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m. In the only previous match-up between the two teams, the Redhawks defeated Jackson State 13-4 on February 23, 2001.

Scouting Southeast

The Redhawks come into the 2006 home opener after winning one game of a three-game series last weekend against McNeese State in Lake Charles, La. The Redhawks first win of the season came last Friday in an 8-1 victory over the Cowboys. Derek Herbig picked up the win in 5.0 innings, allowing just three hits and one earned run. Daniel Schuh went 3-4 and scored two times to help lead Southeast. Schuh is second on the team with a .357 average (5-14).

First baseman Aaron Rave is leading the Redhawks offensive attack thus far, hitting .429 on the season. In the three-game series last weekend, Rave went 5-11 and drove in seven runs.

Seniors Herbig and Maupin lead the Southeast pitching staff. Maupin had an effective outing as the opening day starter at Arkansas State, but got a no decision. He allowed just one run in 6.0 innings, and struck out two batters without issuing a walk.

Scouting Arkansas State

The Tigers come to Cape Girardeau ranked No. 1 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in a weekly national poll by BlackCollegeBaseball.com. In 2005, the Tigers finished first in the nation in runs scored and third in stolen bases. After just seven games, the Tigers scored 73 runs. As a team, the Tigers are hitting .385 and have also drawn a total of 42 walks. They have already tallied 19 successful swipes in 21 attempts.

The Tigers are led offensively by shortstop Joaquin Rodriguez who is hitting .654 (17-26) on the season with 3 doubles, a triple, home run,10 runs scored and 12 RBIs after seven games. He has also been perfect on the bases with two steals in as many attempts. Senior Anton Shinhoster is hitting .435 (10-23) with 3 doubles, 10 runs scored, and 7 RBIs.

On the mound, Jackson State is led by left-hander Donte Hill. As of games through Feb. 13, the senior is 1-0 and has 4 earned runs in 6.1 innings pitched, but has struck out 8 batters and issued just a single walk.