Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's baseball team continued their winning streak with a decisive 13-3 victory over Bellarmine on Saturday. The game, held at Itchy Jones Stadium, marked the Salukis' ninth consecutive win.

The Salukis started strong with two runs in the first inning. Tim Simay was instrumental in the team's success, hitting two home runs—one in the second inning and another in the seventh to conclude the game early. Senior Matt Schark contributed significantly with a grand slam in the sixth inning, extending Southern Illinois' lead to 8-2.

Jordan Bach also delivered an impressive performance by going 3-for-4 and driving in two runs. Kristian Sprawling added three RBIs while Jaxon Holder, who leads SIU in RBIs this season, walked four times and scored three runs without an official at-bat.

Bellarmine's pitching faced challenges throughout the game, giving up ten walks which allowed Southern Illinois to score four runs each in both the fifth and sixth innings.

Alec Nigut secured his fourth win of the season for SIU by pitching five innings and allowing only two unearned runs on four hits while striking out four batters. Gavan Wernsing and Matt Irvine completed the final two innings, limiting Bellarmine to one run.

Despite scoring runs in the second, fourth, and seventh innings, Bellarmine struggled to match SIU's offensive output. Casey Sorg led Bellarmine with three hits and an RBI, while Seth Sweet-Chick and Charlie Rife each added an RBI.

Aaron Ragat started for Bellarmine but lasted only four innings after allowing four runs on seven hits. Blake Donnan relieved him but struggled during his inning of work, surrendering six runs—five earned—on two hits and four walks. Chase Chamberlain gave up three more runs over 1.1 innings before closing out the game.

The series will conclude on Sunday as Southern Illinois aims for a sweep against Bellarmine at Itchy Jones Stadium.