MURRAY, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball lost the three-game series to Murray State University, falling in the series finale, 13-3, Sunday afternoon in Murray, Kentucky. USI watched its record go to 7-13, while Murray State goes to 10-10.
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The Screaming Eagles were in a hole early in the game, surrendering two in the first, four the third, and one in the fifth to trail, 7-0. USI cut into the deficit, 7-2, in the top of the sixth with a two-run frame.
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USI junior leftfielder Drew Taylor (Jeffersonville, Indiana) pushed the Eagles’ first run of the game across the plate with a RBI-single to left that scored junior designated hitter Ren Tachioka (Japan). The Eagles cut the margin to five, 7-2, when junior rightfielder Steven Molinet (Elberfeld, Indiana) picked up a RBI with a bases-loaded walk.
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USI missed a golden opportunity in the sixth, getting only the two runs after loading the bases with one out.
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The Racers would respond with four in the bottom of sixth and two in the seventh to put the 13-3 final out of reach. USI scored its final tally of the game in the top of the seventh when senior centerfielder Evan Kahre (Evansville, Indiana) scored on a sacrifice fly by freshman shortstop Caleb Niehaus (Newburgh, Indiana).
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On the mound, freshman left-hander Will Kiesel (Wadesville, Indiana) started and took the loss for the Eagles. Kiesel (0-1) allowed six runs on four hits and six walks, while striking out two in 2.2 innings of work.
Up Next for the Eagles:Â
Following today’s series finale at Murray, USI remains on the road and will make a visit to Belmont University Tuesday for a 4 p.m. contest. The Eagles are 0-2 all-time Bruins, falling in 1976, 12-5 and in 1980, 5-2.
Belmont goes to 11-11 after completing a home series sweep of Lindenwood University, 3-0, today.
After the visit to Belmont, USI opens Ohio Valley Conference play March 24-26 when it hosts Morehead State University for a three-game set. First pitch for the series opener Friday is 6 p.m.
