March 26, 2008

Box Score

By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University (12-8) came alive to score one run in the seventh and two in the eighth to secure a 6-3 win over Tennessee-Martin (1-18) earlier today at Abe Martin Field.

SIU held a two-run lead (3-1) before a two-out error allowed UTM to score a pair of unearned runs and tie the game at 3-3 in the top of the sixth.

An inning later, Scott Elmendorf started the seventh with a single to left and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by Adam Hills. Skyhawk reliever Lin Cates then balked while attempting to intentionally walk Mark Kelly. Kelly remained at the plate and later lifted a sacrifice fly to score Elmendorf, giving the Salukis a 4-3 lead.

Two errors by second baseman Scott Gladstone doomed the Skyhawks in the eighth.

Chris Murphy reached on Gladstone's first error and went to second on a sacrifice bunt. Tyler Lairson was intentionally walked on the next play before another Gladstone error scored Crank and got Lairson to third. Lairson touched home when Aaron Roberts hit into a fielder's choice to polish off the 6-3 win.

Tyler Choate (1-0) picked up his first win of the season after allowing three hits in 3.1 scoreless relief innings. Choate retired five of the last six hitters he faced.

Cates (0-4) remained winless on the year. He gave up three hits and three runs in four innings.

SIU registered eight hits on the day. Elmendorf went 2-for-5 with two runs scored to lead the Dawgs.

"We took advantages of the opportunites we had, but our offense still needs to improve," said Saluki head coach Dan Callahan. "

The Salukis handed UTM its ninth-straight loss.

SIU returns to Missouri Valley Conference action when it visits Missouri State for a three-game series, beginning Friday.