May 9, 2008

Box Score

By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com

NORMAL, Ill. - Southern Illinois University (27-20, 8-11) used a strong pitching performance by Cody Adams and rallied for two runs in the eighth inning to beat Illinois State (21-25, 5-14), 4-3, earlier tonight in Missouri Valley Conference action at Duffy Bass Field.

Adams, who pitched nine-inning complete games in back-to-back starts for the first time in his career, allowed three runs, walked one and struck out eight en route to his fourth win of the season.

SIU, which gave up three unearned runs on a pair of errors, trailed, 3-2, after seven innings.

Scott Elmendorf, who was charged with both of SIU's errors, came up in the eighth inning and delivered a RBI-single to tie the game. Elmendorf knocked in Chris Murphy, who had singled and advanced to third with the help of an error and wild pitch.

With runners on first and second and one out, Aaron Roberts fell behind 0-2 in the count before ripping a single to center to plate Elmendorf, giving SIU a 4-3 lead.

Adams evened his record to 4-4 on the year and lefthander Ryan Copeland (4-6) suffered the loss in a game that lasted only two hours and eight minutes. Copeland struck out six and allowed four runs on nine hits in 7.1 innings.

SIU outhit ISU, 9-8, on the night with Murphy going 2-for-4 at the top of the Salukis' lineup. Seven other Salukis followed with one hit. Chris Crank, who hit a two-run homer in the fifth, was among that group. Crank hit a home run in his second-straight MVC series on the road.

ISU was led by Mike Stalowy, who went 3-for-4 with a triple and one run scored.

SIU ended a streak of three-straight series-opening losses to the Redbirds in Normal.

Due to impending inclement weather Sunday, SIU and ISU will wrap up their series with a doubleheader at 2 p.m., CST, Saturday. Lefthander Shawn Joy is scheduled to pitch game one for the Dawgs.