Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) achieved a significant victory in their baseball series against the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), sweeping a Saturday doubleheader. After losing the series opener on Friday, SIU secured two walk-off wins in extra innings to clinch the series.

In the first game, Southern Illinois won 5-4 after ten innings. UIC initially took the lead with James Harris hitting a three-run homer in the fifth inning. However, SIU responded with solo home runs from Michael Mylott and Gabe Petrucelli, narrowing the gap. Kaleb Hall tied the game with another home run in the eighth inning. Although Harris hit another home run for UIC in the ninth, SIU managed to tie again and eventually win with Tim Simay's walk-off single.

Pitcher Sam Frizzi earned his first win for SIU by allowing just one run over 2.1 innings. Colin Hawkins was charged with the loss for UIC.

The second game saw SIU rally from a seven-run deficit to win 10-9 in ten innings. Jordan Bach's performance was crucial as he drove in four runs, including the winning double that scored Kaleb Hall. UIC had built an early lead through Jack Snyder's two-run homer and Jackson Bessette's three-run double.

Cole Koonce played a key role for SIU by pitching 4.2 scoreless innings and striking out five batters, earning him his second win of the season.

Next up for Southern Illinois are midweek games against UT Martin, including a makeup game from an earlier postponement.

Fans can stay updated on Salukis' progress via social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram or through their mobile app available on major app stores.