Cape Girardeau, Mo. (October 18, 2002) - After being down three games to one in the annual Red and Black World Series, the Red team has fought back to tie the series heading into tonight's final game at 6 p.m. at Capaha Field.

The Series pits players of Southeast's baseball team against each other with half wearing black jerseys and the other half wearing red. New assistant coach Conan Horton is heading the Black team and assistant coach Scott Southard is managing the Red team.

Returning players for the Red team include senior third baseman Denver Stuckey, senior catcher Tristen McDonald, senior left fielder Brian Hopkins, senior right fielder Ryan Govek, who had the game winning hit yesterday, and sophomore first baseman Eric Hoffman. The Red team also brings back senior pitcher Donnie Fuller as its top returning pitcher.

They boast a talented crop of newcomers, as well. Leading that list will be senior second baseman Justin Christian, a transfer from Auburn University. Christian will likely bat second behind Stuckey. Junior pitcher Brad Smith, along with sophomores Jon Nourie and Ryan Forsyth will bolster the staff for the Red.

The Black team will be led by seniors Zach Borowiak, and David Lawson. Borowiak will roam his familiar shortstop territory and Lawson will assume the duties behind the plate. Also coming back will be senior pitchers Tim Alvarez and Jim Beever.

The newcomers for the Black team include a Gary Gilbert, a talented switch hitting infielder from Fort Scott Community College in Kansas as Seth Moulton, a speedy outfielder from Iowa Western College will be leading off and roaming centerfield.

Pitchers Stan Skakalski and Bill Clayton will be bolstering the rotation tonight. Clayton is a fireballer from Southern Illinois and Skakalski is a hard throwing southpaw from Cowley County Community College.

The excitement will unfold tonight as the loser will serve ice cream to the victors.

Assistant coach Jeremy Tyson believes this year's team could be one of the most talented ever at Southeast.

"We lost some talented seniors, but I believe we've gone a long way in replacing their skills and leadership," he said. "We have strong seniors that will step up and guide the team, and a very talented group of guys coming in. This could possibly be one of the deepest pitching staffs I've coached, and the fielders are very strong."

Game time tonight is slated to begin at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on their favorite team. Wear either red or black to show your support for your favorite player.