March 25, 2004

SIU Game 1 Box Score

SIU Game 2 Box Score

Carbondale, Ill. - The Otahkians showed two strong outings in Carbondale this afternoon with strong pitching and great defense, but couldn't get the runs they needed to top the Salukis. The squad dropped both ends of the double header, falling 3-0 and then 3-1 in non-conference action.

In the first game Southern Illinois (21-6) held Southeast Missouri (5-18) to just one hit. Senior second baseman Suzi Lair tallied the Otahks only hit of the contest in the seventh inning to snap SIU's chance at a no-hitter. The squad caught SIU's Jenny Doehring stealing twice in the contest for a season-high.

Melissa Van Velkinburgh took the loss for SEMO, allowing just three hits and two runs. Jessica Hunter came in for relief to face two batters in the sixth and gave up one run on two hits. Kelly Birk finished the game holding SIU hitless over the last three innings.

Southeast Missouri managed two hits in the second contest. Senior utility player Jamie Birk and sophomore second baseman Charlene Ramirez provided the offense for the Otahkians each getting a hit in the fifth inning. Birk led off the hitting as she doubled to left field. Ramirez then stepped to the plate to drill a base hit into center field, advancing Birk to third. Then freshman Lindsay Pickering placed a sacrifice fly into the glove of the left fielder driving Birk home and recording the RBI.

K. Birk recorded the loss, allowing only one hit but walks proved costly as three runs scored. Hunter pitched in relief, giving up one hit and walking two batters.

Southeast returns to action in St. Louis on Tuesday, March 30 as they take on the Billikens of St. Louis U. The doubleheader to set to get underway at 2:00 p.m. at the Billiken Sports Center.