Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University secured a decisive 14-4 win against Morehead State on Saturday, leveling the weekend series. The Salukis broke a tie game with a significant nine-run surge in the eighth inning. Tim Simay initiated the rally with a two-run triple, and Kaleb Hall concluded it with a two-run homer.

Michael Mylott contributed to Southern Illinois' early lead with a two-run homer in the third inning, followed by Jaxon Holder's RBI single in the fourth. Jordan Bach added to the score with a sacrifice fly, making it 4-0 before Morehead State began closing the gap.

Morehead State's Alex Kean hit a solo home run in the fifth, and Hunter Thomas' RBI single in the sixth reduced their deficit. Andy Cisneros tied the game for Morehead State with a two-run double in the seventh. However, Southern Illinois regained control when Bach scored on a wild pitch.

Alec Nigut started strong for Southern Illinois but left early due to an injury after being struck by a line drive. He pitched 5.1 innings, allowing one run and striking out seven batters. Jackson Payne earned his first win of the season by pitching 1.1 scoreless innings in relief. Ethan Davis took the loss for Morehead State after giving up four runs.

The Salukis capitalized on five errors from Morehead State and collected nine hits during the game. Petrucelli and Hall each scored three runs, while Simay led with two RBIs.

Alex Kean was notable for Morehead State with his solo home run performance, going 2-for-4 at bat alongside Andy Cisneros who doubled and drove in two runs.

The final game of this series is scheduled for Sunday at Itchy Jones Stadium, starting at 1 p.m.

Fans can follow updates on Southern Illinois baseball through social media platforms including X (@SIU_Baseball), Facebook (Facebook.com/SalukiBaseball), Instagram (@SIU_Baseball), or via their mobile app available on both App Store and Google Play Store.