April 1, 2008

By Kyle Herm
www.SIUSalukis.com

Game Notes

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Following a two-game sweep of Illinois State last Saturday, the Southern Illinois softball team (17-15, 5-3 MVC) returns to action on Wednesday for a midweek non-conference doubleheader against Saint Louis University (12-18-1, 3-3 A-10) at 4 p.m. at Charlotte West Stadium.

The Salukis enter the two-game set with a 5-0 record in their last five home games, and an overall mark of 6-3 at home this season. Saint Louis enters the series with a three-game losing streak after dropping all three games on the road last weekend.

SIU head coach Kerri Blaylock said the non-conference games during the week are a great opportunity to continue their momentum in a live-game situation.

"I like midweek games because our hitters get to see live pitching, and it really helps that we're playing at home," Blaylock said. "The start time of 4 p.m. is good too, because it'll give more people a chance to come."

Southern Illinois leads the all-time series with Saint Louis, 34-2, and won its last two games, 8-0, 4-0, at Charlotte West Stadium on April 15, 2004.

"They're (Saint Louis) a team that's close by, and a lot our players have faced them in summer ball," Blaylock said. "They're also a team we'll be recruiting against, so we want to play well."

The Salukis are 12-12 in non-conference games this season, and following the doubleheader on Wednesday, SIU will finish off its eight-game homestand with another three-game Missouri Valley Conference series at home this weekend against Indiana State (9-14, 2-4 MVC).