Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's baseball team faced a setback in their season opener against Texas Rio Grande Valley, losing 8-4. The game took place on Friday night in Edinburg, Texas. Initially, the Salukis held a 4-2 lead after three innings but were unable to maintain it as UTRGV rallied with four runs in the sixth inning and added single runs in both the seventh and eighth innings.

The Salukis began strong with Mason Schwalbach doubling to right field and scoring soon after due to Michael Mylott's sacrifice fly. In the third inning, Southern Illinois capitalized on a Vaqueros error, leading to three more runs. Jordan Bach's double placed two runners in scoring position, followed by Mylott's double that brought home Matt Schark and Bach, extending their lead.

Jordan Huskey made his debut for Southern Illinois on the mound, pitching five innings and striking out five batters. However, his momentum was disrupted when Damien Whitfield of UTRGV was hit by a pitch at the start of the sixth inning. This incident sparked UTRGV's offense as they collected three hits and utilized an error to score four runs.

Thomas Williams doubled, Easton Moomau singled, prompting a pitching change for Southern Illinois. Jackson Payne came in but struggled as UTRGV loaded the bases and eventually scored additional runs after a reviewed call overturned a potential double play.

Angelo Cabral started for UTRGV but was replaced after three innings by Wyatt Wiatrek, who delivered an impressive performance with five flawless innings and six strikeouts.

Michael Mylott led Southern Illinois with three RBIs. Schwalbach, Bach, Mylott, and Gabe Petrucelli recorded hits for the Salukis while Williams and Moomau each had two hits for UTRGV.

Jackson Payne pitched two and two-thirds innings allowing four hits and two runs with one strikeout. Tanner Gerdes concluded the eighth inning with a strikeout.

The teams are set to face off again on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. CT in game two of their weekend series which will be broadcasted on ESPN Plus.

Fans can follow updates about Southern Illinois baseball through various social media platforms including X (@SIU_Baseball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiBaseball), Instagram (@SIU_Baseball), or via the "Salukis" Mobile App available on App Store or Google Play Store.