Carbondale Reporter

Kaleb Hall and Cecil Lofton led Southern Illinois to a 10-4 victory over Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tenn., on Monday. Both players contributed three hits and three RBIs each, securing the Salukis' first series win of the season and bringing their record to 3-3.

Jordan Bach started the game with a double, followed by an RBI single from Michael Mylott, putting Southern Illinois on the scoreboard first. Tennessee Tech quickly responded with a solo home run by Mack Whitcomb, tying the game.

The Salukis took control in the fifth inning. Matt Schark's solo home run initiated a rally that included a triple from Hall scoring Gabe Petrucelli. Cole Freeman added an RBI groundout, and Jaxon Holder hit his first home run as a Saluki, extending their lead to 5-1.

Tennessee Tech narrowed the gap when Luke Bragga's RBI single prompted Southern starter Meade Johnson's exit in the fifth inning. Johnson recorded three strikeouts and allowed two earned runs in his outing.

In the sixth inning, Tech scored twice more, reducing Southern's lead to one run. However, Hall's second triple of the game in the eighth inning increased their advantage by three runs. Hall became only the 13th player in Saluki history to achieve two triples in a single game.

Lofton sealed the win with a three-run homer in the ninth inning. Dylan Petrey provided solid relief pitching with three scoreless innings. Al Holguin earned his first win of the season after pitching an inning out of the bullpen, while Sam Frizzi closed out with a double play.

Carter Casabella suffered his first loss for Tennessee Tech, allowing five earned runs over 4.1 innings pitched.

Southern Illinois will face Arkansas State next on Tuesday at 3 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN Plus.

Fans can follow updates on social media platforms including X (@SIU_Baseball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiBaseball), and Instagram (@SIU_Baseball). The "Salukis" Mobile App is also available for download on both App Store and Google Play Store.