Southern Illinois University’s baseball team will begin its Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) schedule with a series against the University of Illinois Chicago starting Friday, March 19.
The matchup marks the start of conference play for both teams and follows Southern Illinois’ recent extra-innings loss to UT Martin. The Salukis, who are currently 8-11 on the season, will face UIC (4-13-1) in a three-game set at UIC’s home field in Chicago.
Friday’s game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m., with Andrew Evans (3-1, 2.48 ERA) as the probable starter for Southern Illinois. Meade Johnson (0-1, 3.86 ERA) is expected to start Saturday’s game at 2:05 p.m., while Sunday’s starter remains to be determined. The Salukis bring back several key players from last year’s record-setting offense, including Michael Mylott and Gabe Petrucelli, who helped set a school record with 113 home runs last season. The pitching staff also returns experienced arms such as Johnson and reliever Dylan Petrey.
Head coach Lance Rhodes enters his seventh season leading the program and recently reached his 200th win at SIU earlier this month. Under Rhodes, Southern Illinois achieved back-to-back 40-win seasons for the first time in program history during the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.
The all-time series between Southern Illinois and UIC is tied at five wins each. Last season, UIC defeated SIU in a high-scoring MVC Tournament game that saw Southern break its single-game home run record with ten homers. In preseason polling, Southern Illinois was picked to finish second in the MVC behind Murray State.
Six Saluki players were named to the MVC Players to Watch list ahead of this season: Tim Simay, Dylan Petrey, Kaleb Hall, Meade Johnson, Cecil Lofton, and Gabe Petrucelli. The roster features a mix of experience with thirteen seniors and fifteen juniors among its members.
Looking ahead, Southern Illinois aims to build on last year’s offensive success while relying on both returning veterans and new additions as they enter conference play.
