CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri (12-18, 8-5) had just three hits in a series-opening 5-3 loss to Eastern Illinois (10-17, 2-8) Friday afternoon at Capaha Field.
Both teams put up three runs in the third inning with EIU taking a 3-0 edge on a home run in the top half of the frame.
SEMO answered during its at-bat in the bottom part of the inning.
Connor Basler hit an infield single to third and
Wade Stauss came around to score with the help of an error. Basler and
Alex Nielsen later scored when
Peyton Faulkner grounded out to third to tie the game.
EIU cleanup hitter Dougie Parks launched a two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning to regain a 5-3 lead for the Panthers as the Redhawks didn't score for the final six innings.
Only one of SEMO's three hits left the infield and it was a two-out double by
Chase Urhahn in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Christian Vick (4-2) suffered the loss on the mound. Vick gave up five runs on six hits and walked two in 6.1 innings.
The Redhawks and Panthers resume their series at 2 p.m., CT, Saturday. SEMO's 1998 Hall of Fame Baseball Team will be recognized prior to first pitch.
