CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Southeast Missouri (6-7) secured a 4-2 victory over Miami University (8-4) on Sunday at Capaha Field. The game was highlighted by the Redhawks' two-run eighth inning, which ultimately sealed the win.

The game began with a series of defensive highlights. Southeast Missouri's Caleb Klein singled to right center in the first inning, but Miami's defense held, leaving the score tied at 0-0 after one inning. The RedHawks also had a promising start in the second inning, but their efforts were thwarted by a double play, keeping the game scoreless.

The scoring opened in the fourth inning when Hayden Christiansen from Miami (OH) homered to left center. SEMO responded in their half of the inning when Ryan Lopetegui hit a two-run homer to left field, giving the Redhawks a 2-1 lead through four innings. For Lopetegui, his blast was his first of the season.

SEMO maintained its lead through the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, with Miami (OH) unable to capitalize on any scoring opportunities.

In the eighth, Miami (OH) managed to tie the game briefly when Marcus Dierks scored on a double by Tommy Harrison. However, SEMO quickly regained the lead. Cal Sullivan doubled to right field, followed by Joe Hall's single. Logan Yule, pinch running for Sullivan, scored on a single by Lopetegui. Tank Sims further extended the lead with a sacrifice bunt that allowed Hall to score, making it 4-2 in favor of the Redhawks after eight innings.

Southeast Missouri's defense shut down Miami (OH) in the ninth inning, securing a 4-2 victory for the Redhawks.

SEMO Top Performers  
----------------------  

Ryan Lopetegui  
----------------------  
- 3 RBIs  
- 1 home run  
- 2 hits  

Nathan Mertens  
----------------------  
- 5 2/3 innings pitched  
- 7 strikeouts  
- 0 walks  

Jackson Kranawetter  
----------------------  
- 3 1/3 innings pitched  
- 4 strikeouts  
- 1 earned run

Looking ahead, the Redhawks will host Evansville at 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, March 3 at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.