Eagles Sweep By Stars

The University of Southern Indiana baseball team was swept by the 25^th-ranked University of Illinois Springfield, 8-7 and 10-8, Monday morning at the USI Baseball Field. USI watches its record go to 8-13 overall and 0-4 in the GLVC, while Illinois Springfield goes to 21-4 in 2018, 4-0 GLVC.

The Eagles are slated to continue its 13-game homestand when the University of Wisconsin-Parkside comes in for a four-game series Friday and Saturday. The first pitch Friday is 2 p.m., while it’s a noon start on Saturday.

Game 1: 
The Screaming Eagles could not hold onto a four-run lead in the seventh and lost the opener, 8-7. USI had overcome a 3-0 deficit in building a 7-3 lead going into the final frame, led by the four-RBI performance of junior second baseman Jacob Fleming (Evansville, Indiana).

Eagles’ freshman centerfielder Bryce Krizan (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) also had a team-high three hits and scored twice in the loss.

On the mound, sophomore right-hander Tyler Hagedorn (Evansville, Indiana) took the loss in relief. Hagedorn (1-2) allowed two runs on one hit and a walk after facing just two batters in the seventh.

USI junior right-hander Austin Krizan (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) started and picked up the no-decision. Krizan allowed six runs, five earned, on six hits and two walks, while striking out four in 6.1 innings of work.

Game 2: 
The Eagles saw their nightcap rally fall short as the Prairie Stars held on to win a 10-8 decision. Illinois Springfield had a 9-2 lead after three frames before USI closed to within 10-7 and the 10-8 final.

Senior first baseman Drake McNamara (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) led USI at the plate with a three-hit, three-RBI performance. McNamara highlighted the start of the Eagles comeback attempt with a two-run double in the fourth inning.

The loss went to USI junior left-hander Chase Partain (Evansville, Indiana), who went the first three innings. Partain allowed nine runs, four earned, on nine hits and two walks, while striking out three.

Senior designated hitter/right-handed pitcher Nick Gobert (Jasper, Indiana) finished the game for the Eagles, pitching the final six innings. Gobert struck out eight in his six innings of work and gave up one unearned run on two hits and a walk.