MURRAY, Ky.– Murray State (16-17, 20-5) scored four runs in the second inning to key a 6-2 series-clinching win over Southeast Missouri (16-20, 6-12) Saturday in Ohio Valley Conference action at Reagan Field.
 
Down, 1-0, MSU put its first three hitters on to load the bases in the bottom of the second. Jaron Robinson followed with a two-RBI single. Bryan Chilton was hit by a pitch and, after a pitching change, Jordan Holly walked and Jordan Cozart scored. Jake Slunder flied out to left field with one out and Robinson touched home on the sacrifice give the Racers a 4-1 lead.
 
SEMO answered with a run on a two-out RBI-double by Tyler Wilber in the third, but MSU countered with another tally in the bottom half of the inning to pull ahead, 5-2.
 
The Redhawks rallied late to make it a one-run game in the ninth inning, but again fell short.
 
SEMO had the bases loaded in the eighth and got a run when Alex Nielsen walked. 
 
Alex Canty walked and Connor Basler doubled down the third base line to start the ninth inning. Peyton Faulkner grounded out to score Canty and Wilber grounded out to score Basler. Danny Wright lined out to end the game.
 
Shane Burns (3-2) earned the win. Burns struck out seven and walked one, while allowing three runs on six hits in 7.2 innings. Braydon Cook picked up the save. 
 
Bryan McNeely (0-1) took the loss. McNeely scattered three hits and allowed four runs in one inning.
 
SEMO edged MSU, 7-6, in the hit column. Wilber and Nielsen led the way with two hits each.
 
The Redhawks return home to host Arkansas State on Apr. 16.