Illinois State drops midweek game at SIUE

[March 22, 2012]  EDWARDSVILLE -- A four-run seventh inning pulled Illinois State within two runs, but the Redbirds could not get closer as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville held on to beat ISU 6-4 Wednesday afternoon at the Simmons Baseball Complex. The Redbirds fell to 13-6, while SIUE improved to 10-10.

"It took a little too long for us to get started, and I thought we were a little lethargic at the beginning of the game," said Illinois State head coach Mark Kingston. "As the head coach, I should have this team ready to go, but we just weren't as sharp as we normally are. This goes to shows how important great preparation is at all times, and so we'll learn from it and move on."

Redbird starter Johnny Lieske (1-1) suffered the loss after pitching two innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits and striking out three in his first collegiate start. Josh Hoguet (1-3) was awarded the win for his 2 1-3 shutout innings with six strikeouts. Additionally, Dustin Quattrocchi pitched the final 1 1-3 scoreless, hitless innings to earn the save.

SIUE took a 3-0 lead in the second inning with an RBI single by Devin Caldwell and a two-RBI base hit by Travis Becherer. The Cougars added two more runs in the third inning with a Nick Lombardo RBI single and a sacrifice RBI by Brett Keeler. Then in the fourth, SIUE went ahead 6-0 with an RBI double by Caldwell.

Illinois State did not score until the seventh inning, when the Redbirds plated four to pull within two. Back-to-back singles by Mike Hollenbeck and Eric Aguilera put two on base for Brett Kay, who belted a three-run home run over the left-center field wall. It was his third career home run and second of the season. Bryan Huff later singled and then scored on a wild pitch to pull ISU within 6-4. However, the Redbirds were held scoreless through the final two innings, allowing SIUE to secure the victory.

With ISU's stretch of 19 consecutive road games complete, the Redbirds open the 2012 home season Friday versus MacMurray, starting at 3 p.m., followed by a game against Webster on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Admission to all games played at Duffy Bass Field this season is free.

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Redbird season statistics

[Text from file received from Illinois State]