Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's baseball team faced Indiana State in a challenging matchup at Bob Warn Field on Sunday. The Salukis, despite making several comebacks, were defeated 12-8 by the Sycamores.

John Lemm stood out for Southern Illinois (24-11, 7-5 MVC), hitting 2-for-4, including a double and a home run, alongside two RBIs. Lemm helped SIU take an early lead with a solo home run in the second inning, his 12th of the season, and later tied the game in the fourth inning with a double that brought home Gabe Petrucelli.

Tim Simay also contributed with an RBI single in the fourth inning, helping the Salukis momentarily gain the lead. Cade Nelis added two RBIs, while Michael Mylott contributed with a sacrifice fly.

Indiana State (18-17, 7-5 MVC) responded robustly in the fifth inning, scoring five runs. Cesar Pena hit a notable two-run home run, which shifted the momentum, giving the Sycamores an 8-3 lead.

Southern Illinois continued to fight, scoring two runs in the sixth inning and three in the seventh, with Nelis and a throwing error by Indiana State contributing to the tie of eight.

Despite their efforts, the Sycamores answered decisively with four runs in the bottom of the seventh, securing their victory.

Meade Johnson pitched for SIU, allowing six earned runs over four innings and striking out four. Sam Frizzi (1-2), who relieved Johnson, registered the loss, conceding four runs, with only one earning a score, over his two innings.

For Indiana State, Geremy Morris (5-3) earned the win, providing three innings of relief without yielding earned runs and striking out two.

Coming up, SIU will return to Itchy Jones Stadium on Tuesday, where they will face Arkansas State. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m.