The Southern Illinois Salukis lost to Utah Tech 12-4 on March 29 at Itchy Jones Stadium, following a close game that unraveled in the later innings due to bullpen difficulties.
This loss mirrors the previous day’s contest, as both starting pitchers managed to keep offenses limited for much of the game. The Salukis’ pitcher Meade Johnson delivered a solid performance, recording six strikeouts and allowing only two earned runs despite issuing six free passes. Johnson’s efforts included striking out four of his last six batters and earning his first quality start of the season.
Utah Tech’s Brandon Kosel, recognized as one of the top pitchers in the Western Athletic Conference this year, held Southern Illinois scoreless through four innings before Julio Guerrero drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Jaden Flores contributed by scoring on a first-and-third play after Cecil Lofton was caught in a rundown.
The game shifted in the seventh inning when reliever Tyson Greene struggled with control issues, leading to walks and hits that allowed Utah Tech to score four runs. In total, Utah Tech needed just two hits to bring home five more runs in the eighth inning due to wild pitches, walks, and other miscues from Southern Illinois.
Jaden Flores had his first three-hit day as a Saluki, including two doubles and his first home run of the season. Kyle Mager added another run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. With this loss, Southern Illinois drops to 10-16 for the season. Brock Roundy earned the win for Utah Tech while Greene took his first loss.
Looking ahead, Southern Illinois will try to recover when it hosts Lindenwood on Tuesday at Itchy Jones Stadium with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.
