Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's baseball team secured its third consecutive victory by defeating Arkansas State 7-5 in a midweek matchup held in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The Salukis maintained a narrow lead of 5-4 into the eighth inning when Tim Simay delivered a two-RBI single that extended their advantage. Blaine Harpenau then closed the game effectively from the bullpen, securing his first save of the season over the final two innings.

The Southern Illinois offense showed consistency, outhitting Arkansas State with a total of 12 hits to 11. Key contributors included Simay, Jordan Bach, Cecil Lofton, and Mason Schwalbach, each recording two hits for the team.

The Salukis started strong with two runs in the first inning. Bach's leadoff double set up an RBI single from Lofton. Schwalbach added another run with an RBI groundout bringing Lofton home from third base.

In the second inning, Jaxon Holder's groundout allowed John Lemm to score, increasing SIU's lead to 3-0. A throwing error by Arkansas State contributed to another run for Southern Illinois in the fourth inning.

Tyler Timmerman began on the mound for SIU and kept Arkansas State scoreless through three innings before they scored three runs in the fourth to narrow SIU's lead to one run at 4-3.

A sacrifice fly by Matt Schark in the seventh increased SIU’s lead to 5-4. The Saluki defense was instrumental in maintaining this advantage as Michael Mylott made a critical play by throwing out a runner at home plate during an attempted tie by Arkansas State.

Simay's eighth-inning hit proved crucial when Arkansas State reduced their deficit before Harpenau ended any comeback hopes by retiring all five batters he faced consecutively.

Timmerman pitched three and two-thirds innings allowing six hits and three runs. Grant Richars and Cole Koonce provided effective relief pitching support with Koonce earning credit for the win. Matt Irvine also contributed one strikeout while allowing one run over an inning plus of work.

For Arkansas State, Lelie van der Jelle took his first loss of the season after surrendering what would be SIU’s go-ahead run while Tyler Weimer started on their behalf giving up three runs across six hits within just under three innings pitched.

Southern Illinois is set to host its initial games at Itchy Jones Stadium this upcoming weekend starting Friday against Southern Indiana followed by matchups against Bowling Green on Saturday and Sunday afternoon respectively.