Eagles lose opener to Redhawks, 13-4

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball lost the opening game of a three-game set with Southeast Missouri State University,13-4, Thursday evening at the USI Baseball Field. USI watched its record go to 8-21 and 1-6 in the OVC, while SEMO goes to 17-15, 6-1 OVC.
 
USI spotted SEMO a run in the first inning before taking their only lead of the game in the bottom of the third with a pair of runs. Junior centerfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan) knocked in the tying run with a single to left, while senior leftfielder/catcher Lucas McNew (Floyds Knobs, Indiana) gave USI a 2-1 lead with an RBI walk.
 
The Redhawks took the lead for good with eight unanswered runs between the fourth and sixth. SEMO scored four in the fourth, one in the fifth, and three in the sixth to take a 9-2 advantage.
 
USI got two of the runs back in the eighth when junior first baseman Jack Ellis (Jeffersonville, Indiana) dropped a two-run double into left center to cut the deficit to 9-4. That would be as close as USI would come in the game.
 
SEMO finished the scoring with four in the ninth before USI left a pair of runners on in the bottom half of the frame for the 13-4 final.
 
On the mound, freshman left-hander Will Kiesel (Wadesville, Indiana) took the loss for the Eagles. Kiesel (1-2) allowed five runs on five hits and four walks, while striking out a season-high four batters.
 
Up Next for the Eagles:  
The Eagles and the Redhawks continue the three-game set Friday with a 6 p.m. contest at the USI Baseball Field.