March 31, 2008

By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill.-Southern Illinois University (13-10) will play the University of Illinois (12-7) at Rent One Park Tuesday. First pitch is at 6 p.m., CST.

SIU is 25-19 all-time against the Illini, who is coached by former Saluki Dan Hartleb.

The Salukis enter Tuesday's matchup after dropping two of three at Missouri State last weekend. Tyler Lairson leads the team with a .362 batting average in 13 starts. Bret Maugeri, who is on a 10-game hitting streak, follows with a .346 clip.

Illinois is led by Kyle Hudson, who is hitting .414. The Illini are hitting .320 as a team, third-best in the Big Ten. Illinois has won six of its last seven games and took three of four in its first Big Ten series at Michigan State last weekend.

Righthander Tyler Choate (1-0) will make his first start of the season against the Illini.

Livestats for Tuesday's game can be accessed on-line at siusalukis.com.