Carbondale Reporter

John Lemm's RBI single concluded a strong offensive display for Southern Illinois, resulting in a 17-7 victory over Bellarmine. This game, played in Carbondale, marked the most runs scored by the Salukis since an 18-run match against Missouri State in May 2024. Five players from Southern Illinois achieved multiple RBIs, and eight recorded multiple hits.

The Knights initiated scoring in the first inning with RBI hits from Casey Sorg and Brady Morse, giving them an early 2-0 lead. Chase Carver held Southern scoreless for two innings before they scored four runs in the third. Contributions came from Cecil Lofton, Kristian Sprawling, and Mason Schwalbach with RBI singles, while Matt Schark scored on a passed ball.

Seth Sweet-Chick responded for Bellarmine with a solo home run. However, Southern Illinois extended their lead with three more runs in the fourth inning. Schark hit a two-run homer and John Lemm added to the score with a double.

Bellarmine's starter, Chase Carver, exited after allowing seven runs over four innings. In the fifth inning, Schark further increased his RBI tally with a sacrifice fly.

Southern led 8-3 into the sixth inning following starter Jordan Huskey's performance. He struck out nine batters across five innings and conceded three runs on eight hits.

Bellarmine narrowed the gap with three runs in the sixth off reliever Jackson Payne. Sorg's two-run single and Eli Watson's fielder’s choice brought Bellarmine back into contention.

Southern countered immediately with an RBI single by Schwalbach followed by consecutive home runs from Kaleb Hall and Jaxon Holder to widen their lead to 12-6.

Sweet-Chick added an RBI double for Bellarmine in the seventh but Southern closed out the game with five more runs. Kristian Sprawling homered again, while RBI singles from Jordan Bach, Schark, Lofton, and Lemm sealed a ten-run victory.

The series between Southern Illinois and Bellarmine continues Saturday at 2 p.m., available via live stats or online coverage at siusalukis.com/coverage.

Fans can follow Southern Illinois baseball updates on X at @SIU_Baseball, Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiBaseball, Instagram at @SIU_Baseball or through the "Salukis" Mobile App available on App Store or Google Play Store.