Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University (SIU) faced a setback as they lost the series finale to Valparaiso, 8-5, on Saturday at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Salukis were ahead 5-4 entering the bottom of the eighth inning when Valparaiso's center fielder Alex Warfield hit a pivotal three-run home run. This was part of a four-run rally by Valparaiso that secured their win.

Kaleb Hall was notable for SIU, contributing two hits and three RBIs, including a solo home run in the fourth inning and a crucial single in the sixth that put SIU ahead temporarily. Hall's performance increased his season RBI total to 39.

The Salukis took their first lead in the fifth inning with contributions from Jaxon Holder, Jordan Bach, Matt Schark, and Tim Simay. Schark achieved his 18th double of the year during this inning. John Lemm extended his reached base streak to 33 games, setting an MVC record.

SIU used five pitchers throughout the game. Al Holguin started but it was Sam Frizzi who took the loss after giving up Warfield’s decisive homer in the eighth.

Valparaiso's Mason Maka began scoring with a solo home run in the second inning. Mathew Pigeon and Nolan Reinertson also contributed key hits for Valparaiso in their successful rally.

In a last effort during the ninth inning, SIU loaded the bases but could not capitalize as pinch hitter Mason Schwalbach lined into a double play and Holder struck out to conclude the game with SIU leaving 13 runners stranded on base.

Next week, Southern Illinois will compete as the No. 3 seed at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship hosted by Illinois State where they are scheduled to face UIC on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

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