TERRE HAUTE, IN ? The Indiana State baseball team is hoping to extend their current two game winning streak this weekend when they open Missouri Valley Conference action at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL
Action begins at 2 p.m. (ET) on Friday with Michael Manus (0-3) going up against SIU's Cody Adams (1-1). On Saturday, Indiana State will send Brian Oliver (0-2) up against the Salukis Shawn Joy (1-2) in a game that starts at 3 p.m. (ET). The third game will be played at 2 p.m. (ET) Sunday with Micah Spencer (0-1) getting the call for the Sycamores and going up against SIU's David Kington (1-0).
The Sycamores enter Friday's game with a 4-10 record but won 3-of-5 in a trip to South Carolina last week, including the final two games against the College of Charleston.
Indiana State opened their South Carolina trip with a 4-3 victory over The Citadel. The College of Charleston, who had the highest runs per game average in the nation heading into the series with ISU, took the first game 13-1 and then won the second contest 9-4. The Sycamores exploded for 26 runs in the third game but still had to hold on to win 26-20, winning the final game of the series 9-4.
Brady Shoemaker (Brazil, IN, junior) had seven RBI in a 4-for-6 performance at the plate for the Sycamores in their 26-20 win over the College of Charleston. Shoemaker had a grand slam home run in the sixth, an RBI single in the third, and a 2 RBI double in the fourth.
The Sycamores also had some very good work out of the bullpen during the South Carolina trip. Chad Dawson (Benton, AK, senior) picked up two saves and Josh Varno (Wapakoneta, OH, senior) appeared in four games, allowing just two runs in seven innings of work. Varno also had his first start of the season in Sunday's 6-3 win although he did not pick up the decision.
Southern Illinois heads into the series with an 8-7 record, winning three of five games in a trip to San Antonio, TX last week. The Salukis have had three home games so far this season and won all three.
Weather could play a big part in the weekend series as Carbondale received nearly seven inches of rain earlier this week. SIU officials have said that the infield was covered but the outfield is pretty wet, although playable.
Live stats and video from this weekend's series can be found at the Southern Illinois University athletic website at www.siusalukis.cstv.com
