Carbondale Reporter

John Lemm's three extra-base hits were a highlight as Southern Illinois defeated Southeast Missouri 12-6 in a non-conference baseball game at Capaha Field. The Salukis, with a record of 28-12, overturned an early 3-0 deficit by launching an 18-hit offense that dominated the middle innings, seizing control from SEMO (23-18).

The Salukis' potent offense was led by Lemm who went 3-for-5, managing two doubles, a triple, one RBI, and scoring three runs. Gabe Petrucelli contributed significantly with three RBIs, and Cecil Lofton bolstered the offense with two RBIs from a crucial double.

In the fifth inning, Southern Illinois responded to being down 3-0 by contributing five runs across six hits. Petrucelli initiated the comeback with a two-run single, followed by Lofton's two-run double giving SIU its first game lead. Michael Mylott closed out the inning with an RBI single, boosting the score to 5-3.

The Salukis extended their lead with a three-run streak in the sixth inning. Lemm's RBI triple allowed Jordan Bach to score, while Tate Lewis' double sent Lemm home. Petrucelli furthered the lead with a sacrifice fly, pushing the score to 8-3.

Mylott hit his fifth home run of the season in the seventh inning, combining with Bach's RBI double for a two-run segment. Additional runs followed in the eighth and ninth innings, highlighted by pinch-hitter Mason Schwalbach's RBI single.

Jackson Payne (2-0) claimed the win in relief, delivering a flawless fifth inning with two strikeouts. The Salukis utilized eight pitchers, with Matt Irvine, Dylan Petrey, and Payne offering crucial scoreless innings.

SEMO took the initial lead with two first-inning runs via RBI hits by Bryce Cannon and Ty Stauss, landing another run in the fourth. Cole Warehime, who had a prominent offensive role for the Redhawks, struck a two-run home run in the seventh, totaling three RBIs for the game.

Al Holguin, the starting left-hander for the Salukis, allowed three runs over 3.1 innings. SEMO pitcher Mason Pennington (0-1) absorbed the loss, conceding five runs on eight hits in 1.2 innings of relief.

Several standout performances contributed to SIU's season-high 18-hit game. Multi-hit sessions came from Tim Simay (3-for-6, double), Lofton (2-for-4), Mylott (3-for-4), and Petrucelli (2-for-4), demonstrating their lineup's depth.

SEMO's offense was highlighted by Cole Warehime who went 2-for-5 with a notable two-run home run and totaled three RBIs. Starter Eddie White was the Redhawks' standout on the mound, holding SIU to two hits across three scoreless innings.

Next, the Salukis are set to return to Itchy Jones Stadium this weekend facing Illinois State for a three-game series, coinciding with Alumni Weekend at The Itch.

Fans can stay updated with the Salukis through various social media platforms including X, Facebook, and Instagram, or by accessing the "Salukis" Mobile App available in the App Store and Google Play Store.