April 29, 2005

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - (Friday, April 29, 2005) Southeast Missouri will be on the road this weekend for a three-game series against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in Richmond, Kentucky. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday with the series finale to be played on Sunday; first pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on both days. Last season the Colonels defeated the Redhawks in two of three games. The Redhawks lone win came in the OVC tournament to advance the Redhawks to the championship game. The Colonels hold a 21-19 advantage all-time against the Redhawks.

Scouting Southeast

The Redhawks are coming off a mid-week game against regional rival Southern Illinois. The Redhawks (16-23, 7-8 OVC) were unable to capitalize on 10 hits including two home runs as they were defeated by the Salukis, 7-3.

Ernie Bracamonte went 3-4, with three RBIs and two runs scored against Eastern Kentucky in the OVC Tournament last season. On the season Bracamonte is hitting .336, with 20 RBIs and 3 home runs. Bracamonte leads the Redhawks with 51 hits, 69 total bases and 27 runs scored.

Frank Montiel went 1-2, with three RBIs and two runs scored to help advance the Redhawks to the OVC Championship game last season. Montiel leads the team with a .345 batting average, 13 doubles, 30 RBIs and a .476 slugging percentage.

Eric Horstman went 4-4, with one RBI and four runs scored against Eastern Kentucky in the OVC Tournament last season. On the season Horstman is hitting .316, with 26 runs scored and 8 stolen bases in 10 attempts.

Joey Evans leads the Redhawks with a 6-4 record and a 3.00 ERA. Evans has pitched four complete games with 54 strikeouts in 60 innings pitched.

Ernie Bracamonte and Eric Horstman have started in 96 consecutive games for the Redhawks. Both players have not missed a game during their career at Southeast.

Coach Mark Hogan reached another career milestone as he won his 700th game against Eastern Illinois on Saturday. Coach Hogan has a career record of 701-512-3 in his 24th year as a college head coach. In his 11th year at Southeast Coach Hogan has a record of 324-256-1.

Following the weekend series with Eastern Kentucky the Redhawks will return to Capaha Field for a mid-week game against Evansville on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

All games can be heard live on 1220 KGIR or online at www.kgir.com.

Scouting Eastern Kentucky

The Colonels have won six straight games including a three-game sweep of OVC opponent Samford. On Wednesday the Colonels (16-21, 7-7 OVC) defeated Wright State, 4-3.

The Colonels lead the OVC with 78 stolen bases and a .317 team batting average.

The Colonels are led offensively by Brett Bolger. The junior outfielder is hitting .414, with 34 RBIs and 31 runs scored. Bolger leads the OVC with his .414 batting average.

Senior outfielder Derrick Bussell leads the OVC with 22 stolen bases in 27 attempts. Bussell is hitting .336, with 40 runs scored and 16 RBIs.

Sophomore pitcher McKenzie Willoughby leads the Colonels with a 5-2 record. Willoughby has a 3.29 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 54.2 innings pitched.

Elvis Dominguez is in his 4th year as head coach at Eastern Kentucky with a record of 89-107.