CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Southeast Missouri Baseball (30-12, 11-5 OVC) secured a decisive 10-3 victory over SIUE (22-20, 11-5 OVC) on Friday night at Capaha Field. The Redhawks recorded three home runs and a complete game gem from RHP Nathan Mertens (4-2), allowing just four hits.

In the fourth inning, SEMO took the lead when Joe Hall homered to right center. Ryan Lopetegui reached on an error, and Dakota Joggerst followed with a double, placing runners in scoring position. Carson Schrack grounded out, allowing Lopetegui to score, making it 2-1 in favor of the Redhawks.

The momentum continued in the fifth inning as Tank Sims homered to extend the lead. Brooks Kettering singled, and Caleb Klein was hit by a pitch. After a single from Cal Sullivan, Joe Hall delivered a grand slam, furthering the lead to 7-1.

In the seventh, Hall doubled and was brought home by Lopetegui's double the very next batter. Joggerst walked, setting up Schrack for a bases-loaded walk to score another run. Sims' sacrifice fly brought in Lopetegui, increasing the lead to 9-1.

The eighth inning saw Klein scoring after being hit by a pitch, advancing on a wild pitch, and scoring on Joggerst's single, making it 10-1.

SIUE managed to add two runs in the ninth with a two-run homer by Niedzwiedz, but the Redhawks secured a 10-3 victory.

Southeast Missouri Top Performers

Joe Hall
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- 3 runs
- 4 hits
- 5 RBIs
- 2 home runs

Tank Sims
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- 1 run
- 2 hits
- 2 RBIs
- 1 home run

Nathan Mertens
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- Complete game
- 9 innings pitched
- 4 hits allowed
- 8 strikeouts

Southeast Missouri holds a record of 30-12 and is 11-5 in the OVC. The Cougars have a record of 22-20 with a conference record of 11-5.

In their next game, the Redhawks will take the field at 2 p.m. CT Saturday, April 25, when they host the Cougars at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.