Southern Illinois University lost to UT Martin 7-6 in extra innings on March 18 at Itchy Jones Stadium. The Salukis came back from a multi-run deficit to tie the game in the eighth inning, but UT Martin scored the deciding run in the tenth and held on for the win.
The matchup saw both teams start strong offensively, with UT Martin scoring two runs in the first inning and Southern Illinois responding with an RBI double from Kaleb Hall. The Skyhawks capitalized on errors and aggressive base running, adding three more runs in the second inning, including a steal of home. According to the team, UT Martin led the Ohio Valley Conference with 53 stolen bases before this game and added eight more during Wednesday’s contest.
Jaden Flores contributed a sacrifice fly for Southern Illinois’ second run, but both offenses were quiet over the next four innings. Cason Sharp of UT Martin limited SIU’s opportunities through his early relief appearance. In the sixth inning, SIU threatened with runners on base but was denied by a strong defensive play from center fielder Garner Anderson.
UT Martin extended its lead with a sacrifice fly in the sixth. Southern Illinois responded by loading the bases in the seventh and narrowing the gap through walks and pinch-hit appearances, though they still trailed by one after seven innings. The Salukis’ bullpen—featuring Josh Hyneman, Dylan Petrey, Tyson Greene, Dawson Hargrove, Charlie Miller, and Jack MacIntosh—allowed just one run over nearly eight innings of regulation.
Tim Simay tied the game for SIU with an opposite-field single in the eighth inning on his birthday. After both teams went scoreless in the ninth, extra innings began with SIU walking three batters; UT Martin regained the lead following an error on a potential double play ball. Despite putting runners into scoring position in their final at-bat, Southern Illinois could not capitalize as Gabe Petrucelli’s line drive was caught to end the game.
Mason Little earned the win for UT Martin while Gabe Bryant recorded his first save of the season. Matt Irvine took his first loss for SIU. Multiple Saluki players had multi-hit games and Dylan Petrey pitched two shutout innings out of the bullpen.
Looking ahead, Southern Illinois will begin Missouri Valley Conference play with a three-game series at UIC starting Friday.
