Tate Lewis’s performance was instrumental in securing a series victory for Southern Illinois University (SIU) over Illinois State in a Missouri Valley Conference game on April 27 in Carbondale, Illinois. Lewis, originally from Pleasant Grove, Utah, achieved two RBIs in two at-bats, contributing to Southern Illinois’s successful recovery from a three-run deficit.
Matt Schark gave the Salukis an early lead with his 15th home run of the season in the first inning. However, Illinois State quickly responded with three consecutive RBIs and later extended their lead to three with a solo home run by Graham Mastros in the fourth inning.
Tyler Timmerman, SIU’s starting pitcher, was replaced during the fourth inning after allowing four earned runs over 3.1 innings. Al Holguin then took over and delivered 3.2 innings without allowing a hit, keeping Illinois State from extending their lead.
Meanwhile, Illinois State’s Tanner Perry managed to contain Southern Illinois’s lineup, pitching three no-hit innings from the fourth to the sixth inning. Despite this, Southern reclaimed momentum in the seventh inning, posting four consecutive base hits, including a pinch-hit RBI single from Tate Lewis.
Although Jordan Bach added an RBI with a sacrifice fly in the seventh, SIU was only able to reduce the gap to one run. In the eighth inning, Sam Frizzi continued his effective performance from the bullpen, leading up to an RBI groundout by Tim Simay that tied the game. Lewis then secured the win with a double down the left-field line, putting the Salukis ahead 5-4.
Frizzi ensured victory by preventing any baserunners in the ninth inning. Joe Husak, who took the loss for Illinois State, allowed both the tying and go-ahead runs.
The Salukis are set to face Lindenwood in a midweek match at Itchy Jones Stadium, with the game starting at 6 p.m.
Fans can stay updated on the Salukis by following the team on social media or by downloading the “Salukis” Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
