Eastern Illinois (9-17, 1-8) at Southeast Missouri (12-17, 8-4)

Dates: Friday, April 6 -  Sunday, April 8, 2018
Series Schedule: Fri. 2 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.
Site: Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Facility: Capaha Field
Series: SEMO leads, 40-33
Last Meeting: SEMO 7, EIU 6 (Apr. 9, 2017 / Charleston, Ill.)
Head Coaches: Andy Sawyers (128-70 overall; 41-43 at SEMO; 24-18 OVC). Jason Anderson (45-91overall; same at EIU).
 
SEMO Probable Starters: 
Game 1: Christian Vick, RHP
Game 2: Logan Spalt, RHP
Game 3: Carlos Vega, RHP
 
Media Coverage: 
Radio: SEMO ESPN 92.9FM (Erik Sean and Jess Bolen)
Live Stats: Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3

Series History
Southeast Missouri leads the all-time series against Eastern Illinois, 40-33. The last time these teams met was Apr. 9 in Charleston, Illinois where the Redhawks won the with a 7-6 victory. Southeast has a total of 11 series victories against the Panthers and beat EIU in eight of the last 10 games of the series. 
 
Redhawks Win Midweek
Southeast snapped a six-game losing streak in midweek games when it beat Saint Louis, 4-2, on Apr. 4. It was the Redhawks first midweek win of the season. Chase Urhahn had one RBI on three hits, including two doubles. Alex Canty logged his first career start at third base and had a hit in three at-bats. Nathan Bock recorded his first career win on the mound.
 
Follow the Redhawks
Fans can listen to this weekend's games on the radio at ESPN 92.9 FM. Erik Sean will call the action alongside Jess Bolen. Live stats are available at Gosoutheast.com. Twitter updates provided @SEMObaseball.
 
Go Green Games
In the month of April, Southeast is partnering Mid-America Transplant to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donations. The team will wear special green jerseys for every midweek game in the month of April. The Redhawks will also have another "Green Up" game against Murray State on Apr. 21.  More information can be found at GoSoutheast.com.
 
Friday Extravaganza
In the Friday's series-opener, fans are welcome to get photos with the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales in the outfield before the game. This will start around an hour before first pitch and will conclude once the game begins. Friday's game will also be a free tailgate with Wings etc. sponsoring the food and River Eagle Distributing donating the beverages. 
 
Hall of Fame Induction
Prior to Saturday's game, the 1998 Southeast Baseball Team will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a special luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. This team became the first in school history to win the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and advance to the NCAA Division I Tournament. Southeast finished the season with a record of 32-24 and 15-9 in the OVC. The team will also be recognized before Saturday's 2 p.m. first pitch.
 
Vega's Consistent Start
Carlos Vega has started game three in every conference series this season and is again expected to start in that spot against Eastern Illinois. Vega pitched in Southeast's wins at UT Martin (Mar. 18), vs. SIU Edwardsville (Mar. 25) and at Austin Peay (Mar. 31). He has also pitched out of the bullpen earlier in the weekend series. Vega recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in his last start at Austin Peay (Mar. 31). 
 
Hot Bats
Southeast has 294 hits and 179 RBI in 2018. The Redhawks average just over six runs a game on 10 hits. Trevor Ezell leads the team with 47 hits, which is third in the Ohio Valley Conference. Justin Dirden has 36 RBI this season which puts him in second in the conference along  with Tristen Gagan. Southeast has 58 doubles and 26 home runs, as well.
 
Ranked in the OVC
Southeast is second in the Ohio Valley Conference in batting average (.297) behind Tennessee Tech (.354). The Redhawks are also second with 178 RBI. SEMO has allowed 16 home runs, second-fewest in the league. Southeast rates second in fielding percentage (.973), as well.
 
Individuals: Justin Dirden and Tristen Gagan are tied for second in runs batted with 36 apiece. Trevor Ezell is currently third with 47 hits and trails the conference leader by only two hits. Chase Urhahn and Dirden are tied for second with 13 doubles each. Peyton Faulkner (8) is in a four-way tie for first in hit by pitch. Connor Basler and Faulkner are tied for first in sacrifice bunts with five apiece. 
 
Home Run Count
Southeast has 26 home runs and ranks fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference in that category this season. The Redhawks hit a home run in 16 games this year. Justin Dirden leads the team with six round-trippers. The Redhawks had a season-high four home runs at Austin Peay (Mar. 31). 
 
Vega Tops OVC
Carlos Vega leads the Ohio Valley Conference with a 2.43 ERA and is tied for second with nine games finished. Vega ranks third in fewest hits allowed (30) and tops the league in both fewest runs allowed (12) and fewest earned runs (9). He has gone all of his appearances without giving up a home run. 
 
Leading the OVC
Tristen Gagan leads the Ohio Valley Conference in fielding percentage at 1.000 and is in third with 233 putouts. Gagan is tied for second in the OVC in runs batted in with 36 along with teammate Justin Dirden. Trevor Ezell leads the OVC with three triples.

On Deck
Southeast will host McKendree University in midweek action on Apr. 10. The Redhawks will wear their special green jerseys for that game.