Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University staged a remarkable comeback against Bellarmine, securing a 14-10 victory on Sunday at Itchy Jones Stadium. This win marks the Salukis' tenth consecutive victory.

The game began with Southern Illinois (11-3) taking an early lead of 7-0 by the fourth inning. However, Bellarmine fought back, scoring five runs in the seventh and three more in the eighth to take a 10-7 lead.

In response, Southern Illinois delivered a strong performance in the bottom of the eighth inning. Pinch-hitter Mason Schwalbach hit a grand slam that regained the lead for SIU. Infielder Tim Simay followed with a bases-clearing double, adding three more runs for a 14-10 advantage. Sam Frizzi closed out the game by striking out all batters in the ninth inning, earning his first save of the season.

Earlier in the game, SIU scored three runs in the first inning through RBI singles from Matt Schark and Kaden Sprawling. Gabe Petrucelli and John Lemm hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning, and Jordan Bach added another two-run homer in the fourth.

Starting pitcher Meade Johnson contributed six innings for SIU, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out eight batters.

Bellarmine's comeback was highlighted by Seth Sweet-Chick's bases-clearing double during their five-run seventh inning. Despite this effort, Cooper Hellman took the loss after giving up six runs in one inning of relief work.

Looking ahead, Southern Illinois will face Western Kentucky on Tuesday. Both teams are currently on ten-game winning streaks.

Fans can follow updates about Southern Illinois baseball on social media platforms such as X and Facebook or download their mobile app for more information.