LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Southeast Missouri Baseball (37-16, 17-9 OVC) emerged victorious over Little Rock (30-24, 16-10 OVC) with a final score of 12–10 on Friday at Gary Hogan Field. The Redhawks secured the win with a decisive four-run ninth inning, overcoming Little Rock's early lead.
The Redhawks opened the first inning with a strong offensive display.
Cal Sullivan drew a walk, setting the stage for Josiah Hall, who homered to deep left field for two RBIs, putting the Redhawks ahead 2–0. Little Rock responded with a solo home run by Angel Cano, closing the gap to 2–1 after one inning.
In the second inning, SEMO extended its lead.
Caleb Klein reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to third on a throwing error. Sullivan and Hall each hit RBI doubles, followed by
Ryan Lopetegui's RBI single, bringing the score to 6–1. Little Rock replied with a two-RBI double by Trey Hill, narrowing the lead to 6–3 through two innings.
The third inning saw Little Rock take the lead. A combination of a fielding error and consecutive hits allowed them to score four runs, making it 7–6 in favor of Little Rock.
In the fifth inning, SEMO tied the game with runs scoring on wild pitches, yet Little Rock quickly regained the lead with two runs of its own, bringing the score to 9–8.
After several scoreless innings, the Redhawks mounted a comeback in the ninth. Lopetegui scored on a wild pitch,
Tank Sims delivered an RBI single, and
Brooks Kettering added a sacrifice fly, capping off a four-run inning. Little Rock managed a solo home run but fell short as the Redhawks secured a 12–10 victory.
Southeast Mo. St. Top Performers
Demitri Shakotko
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- 2 runs
- 2 hits
Josiah Hall
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- 2 runs
- 2 hits
- 3 RBIs
- 1 home run
Nathan Mertens
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- 1/3 inning
- 1 strikeout
- 3 saves
John-Paul Sauer
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- 1 2/3 innings
- 1 strikeout
- 0 earned runs
Cal Sullivan
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- 2 runs
- 1 hit
- 1 RBI
- 1 double
Looking ahead, SEMO will take the field at 1 p.m. CT Saturday, May 16, against Little Rock in the regular season finale.
