Eagles grounded by Lions’ late rally

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball allowed three runs in the bottom of the eighth and lost the series opener at Lindenwood University, 6-3, Friday afternoon in St. Charles, Missouri. USI, which continues to search for the first win in the conference play, watched its record go to 7-19, 0-4 in the OVC, while Ball State goes to 4-22, 1-3 OVC.
 
USI had the early momentum with a pair of first inning runs to take a 2-0. Junior designated hitter Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas) knocked in the first run with a ground out, while freshman third baseman Caleb Niehaus (Newburgh, Indiana) pushed the second tally across with a single up the middle.
 
After Lindenwood knotted the game at 2-2 with a two-run third, the Eagles took the lead for a second time with a tally in the fourth on a bases-loaded walk drawn by senior catcher Lucas McNew (Floyds Knobs, Indiana). The Lions, however, bounced back in the bottom half of the frame to re-tie the game, 3-3.
 
The score remained tied until the bottom of the eighth when the Lions took the lead for the first time scoring three times for the eventual final score of 6-3.
 
On the mound for USI, junior right-hander Carter Stamm (Jasper, Indiana) took the loss for the Eagles in relief. Stamm (1-1) allowed three runs, loading the bases in the eighth on a walk and two hit batters which would come in on a pair of hits allowed by junior right-hander Cory Anderson (Linton, Indiana).
 
Sophomore right-hander Tyler Hutson (Villa Hills, Kentucky) started ad go the no decision. Hutson went 3-2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks, while striking out three.
 
USI, once again, got great middle relief from junior left-hander Blake Ciuffetelli (Newburgh, Indiana). Ciuffetelli blanked the Lions for 3.1 innings, allowing two hits and two walks, while striking out five batters.
 
The Eagles have lost 10-straight games, the longest streak since 2006.
 
Up Next for the Eagles:  
The Eagles and the Lions resume OVC three-game series Saturday at 1 p.m. The series finale is Sunday at 1 p.m.