Itchy Jones Stadium | Southern Illinois University Athletics
Itchy Jones Stadium | Southern Illinois University Athletics
Southern Illinois University's baseball team is preparing for a three-game series against Murray State this weekend at Reagan Field in Kentucky. The series is essential as the Salukis are just one game behind Missouri State in the Missouri Valley Conference and are tied with Murray State for second place.
The games are scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Luke Martin will provide coverage on The Varsity Network, and fans can also follow along with live stats and updates on Twitter at @SIU_Baseball.
The Salukis have a strong track record this season. Jordan Bach, Matt Schark, and Tim Simay stand out for their consistent performance with multiple multi-hit games. John Lemm's streak of reaching base in 22 consecutive games highlights the team's offensive capabilities. Southern Illinois has proven effective when scoring six or more runs and has a dominant record when leading after six innings.
Murray State enters the series with a 30-11 record. Dom Decker leads the team with a .384 batting average. The Racers' pitchers have a combined ERA of 4.75, with Kane Elmy showcasing a 2.95 ERA.
Historically, Southern Illinois leads the series against Murray State. This upcoming series is the second three-game road series SIU will play, having previously traveled to Murray State in 2023.
Key players for Southern Illinois include Tim Simay, who leads the team in batting average, and Matt Schark, who leads in home runs and RBIs. Other players such as Cecil Lofton, Jordan Bach, and Gabe Petrucelli have also made significant contributions.
The pitching staff has shown strength, with Alec Nigut boasting a 7-1 record and a 3.42 ERA. Other notable pitchers include Meade Johnson and Sam Frizzi.
Southern Illinois was voted second in the MVC Midseason Poll. Lance Rhodes, in his sixth season as the head coach, maintains an impressive career record with the team.
Further information and updates on the Saluki Baseball team can be accessed through various social media platforms and mobile applications.
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