LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Southeast Missouri Baseball (36-16, 16-9 OVC) secured a 4–2 victory over Little Rock (30-23, 16-9 OVC) on Thursday night at Gary Hogan Field. The visitors hit two home runs as part of their eight-hit performance to claim the series opener.
In the second inning,
Demitri Shakotko put the Redhawks on the board with a solo home run to deep center field, his third of the season, providing an early 1–0 lead. The score remained SEMO 1, Little Rock 0 through two innings.
Caleb Klein doubled in the third inning and was brought home by
Cal Sullivan's RBI single, extending the lead. Southeast Missouri State led 2–0 through three innings.
The fourth inning saw
Carson Schrack scoring on a fielder's choice by
Brooks Kettering, increasing the advantage. Southeast Missouri State led 3–0 after four innings.
Kettering added a crucial insurance run in the ninth inning with a solo home run to deep right field, his third of the season. This gave Southeast Missouri State a 4–0 lead.
Little Rock responded in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run home run by Angel Cano, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The final score was Southeast Missouri State 4, Little Rock 2.
Southeast Missouri State Top Performers
Demitri Shakotko
----------------------
- 1 home run
- 1 run
- 1 RBI
Mason Pennington
----------------------
- 6 2/3 innings pitched
- 4 strikeouts
- 0 earned runs
Brooks Kettering
----------------------
- 1 home run
- 2 hits
- 2 RBI
Gavin Johnston
----------------------
- 2 1/3 innings pitched
- 2 strikeouts
- 1 save
The next challenge for Southeast Missouri State is set for 4 p.m. CT Friday, May 15, when it travels to Little Rock, Arkansas. The matchup will provide an opportunity for Southeast Missouri State to extend its season success on the road against Little Rock.
