CAPAHA FIELD – Southeast Missouri (26-27, 14-8 OVC) dropped game one of the series with Eastern Illinois (31-18, 11-11 OVC) on Thursday evening by a final score of 10-2 at Capaha Field. 
 
The Redhawks were outhit 15-6 in Thursday's contest. Peyton Leeper and Brett Graber led the Redhawks offense going 1-for-4 with an RBI each. 
 
LHP Noah Niznik (6-6) took the loss in game one. Niznik went just 3.2 innings allowing six runs on eight hits over 19 EIU hitters. He punched out two in the outing. 
 
SEMO got on the board early with an RBI single by center fielder Brett Graber to give the Redhawks a 1-0 lead after two innings. 
 
EIU got a run back in the top of the third off a double from leading-hitter Ryan Ignoffo to left field to tie it at one. 
 
SEMO would score their second and final run of the contest via a Peyton Leeper double to left field that scored Ben Palmer. 
 
The Panthers had a big fourth inning, plating five runs thanks in part to a RBI single, RBI double, a sacrifice fly, and a two-run home run as the Panthers snatched a 6-2 lead. 
 
EIU scored two runs in the sixth and seventh inning(s) to close out game one.  
 
SEMO failed to record a hit from the end of the fourth inning until one out in the ninth inning as Chance Resetich doubled to center field. 
 
EIU's Ky Hampton (7-2) took the win in the contest. Hampton pitched 7.0 innings allowing just two runs on five Redhawks hits with no walks. He struck out four over 27 faced. 
 
Game two of the series was originally scheduled for 6 p.m., CT. but due to a potential of bad weather in the Cape Girardeau area, it has now been moved up to 2 p.m., CT. from Capaha Field. RHP Collin Wilma will get the nod on the mound for SEMO.