Southern Illinois University secured a 5-4 victory over the University of Illinois Chicago in the Missouri Valley Conference opener on March 20, thanks to a late two-run home run by Kaleb Hall. The game took place in Chicago and marked Hall’s first home run of the season.
The matchup was characterized by challenging weather conditions, making runs difficult to score early on. Southern Illinois did not record its first hit until the fifth inning against UIC starter Mason Lei. UIC managed to take an early lead with unearned runs in the second and fourth innings, capitalizing on two errors by Southern Illinois.
Andrew Evans made his sixth start for Southern Illinois, pitching five innings without allowing an earned run despite issuing five walks. He also struck out eight batters, helping keep his team competitive throughout the game. In the sixth inning, Jaden Flores sparked a rally with a bunt single, followed by hits from Jacob McKenzie and Henry Kufa’s sacrifice bunt. Julio Guerrero then hit a three-run home run to give Southern Illinois a temporary lead.
UIC regained control in the seventh inning after Jack MacIntosh allowed a walk, hit-by-pitch, and wild pitch that set up Alexander Wright’s two-run single. However, in the ninth inning, Tim Simay led off with a single before being replaced by pinch runner Bryce Habuda due to injury concerns. On the next pitch, Hall delivered his decisive two-run homer.
In the bottom of the ninth, reliever Charlie Miller faced trouble but escaped after Habuda helped turn a double play to end the game. MacIntosh improved his record to 2-0 while Miller earned a save for Southern Illinois. Zack Millsap took the loss for UIC.
Southern Illinois is scheduled to continue its series against UIC on Saturday at 2:05 p.m.
