Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) baseball is set to host a four-game series featuring matchups against Bowling Green and Southern Indiana, starting Friday in Carbondale. The schedule for the games includes a contest against Southern Indiana on Friday at 4 p.m., followed by two games on Saturday and Sunday against Bowling Green, with the second game on Sunday against Southern Indiana.

Fans can keep up with the games through live stats or follow updates on Twitter via @SIU_Baseball.

The Salukis recently concluded a successful road trip, securing three wins out of four games. Notably, Cecil Lofton was recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference's Player of the Week after hitting two home runs and earning seven RBIs during this period. Pitcher Dylan Petrey has also performed well, delivering over six innings without allowing any runs.

Friday’s game will feature Jordan Huskey as the starting pitcher, who aims to improve after his previous outing. Alec Nigut will take the mound on Saturday, boasting a strong start to his season with twelve strikeouts over ten innings. Meade Johnson is scheduled to pitch in Sunday's first game against Bowling Green.

Head Coach Lance Rhodes enters his sixth season leading SIU with an overall record of 163-99 and has guided the team to notable achievements in recent years.

This series marks the first meeting between SIU and Bowling Green since 1985 when SIU won 13-2. Currently, Bowling Green holds a 4-2 record this season. Southern Illinois has had recent success against Southern Indiana as well, winning their last encounter in April 2024.

Bowling Green’s Brady Birchmeier and Southern Indiana’s Kannon Coakley have both made significant contributions early in their seasons.

The Missouri Valley Conference will announce its preseason poll and all-conference team soon before conference play begins later in March.

For more information about Saluki Baseball, fans are encouraged to follow their social media channels or download their mobile app for updates.