May 4, 2008

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By Tyler Koonce, Baseball Contact

CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois scored three ninth inning runs, including a walk-off two-run single by Tristan Facer, to top Southeast Missouri State in the series finale Sunday at Coaches Stadium. The Redhawks (19-20, 9-10) led 5-3 heading into the last inning, but the Panthers (20-24, 11-10) plated the deciding runs behind three hits and two walks in the ninth.

SEMO got out to a 3-0 first inning lead behind RBI singles from Nick Harris and Matt Wagner along with a sacrifice fly by Trenton Moses.

They increased the lead with a fourth run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Andrew Wiese to bring in Harris, who led off the inning with a walk.

EIU scored their first run in the bottom of the third when Brett Nomenson hit an RBI double scoring Curt Restko.

The Redhawks got the run back in the fifth as Harris swiped home on a double steal. Wagner broke for second and drew a throw, which sent Harris home. The sophomore slid under the tag of catcher Bart Thyer to increase the lead to 5-1.

Eastern closed within two in the bottom of the frame on Facer's first two-run single of the afternoon.

James Leigh started for Southeast and threw 4.2 innings, allowing three hits and three earned runs. He struck out two and issued four walks.

Todd Strahlendorf (3-2) relieved Leigh in the fifth and tossed three shutout innings before the ninth. He finished with 3.2 inning pitched, yielding four hits and three earned runs. He notched one strikeout and walked two batters.

Facer's game-winning hit was preceded by a leadoff single off the bat of Restko, followed by a walk to Thyer. Nommensen then doubled to left-center to drive in Restko. After Jordan Tokarz popped up to second base for the first out, Zach Skidmore was intentionally walked to load the bases and set up the double play.

The game-winner from Facer found a hole in the left side of the infield, bringing in Nommensen and Wilson to win the game and series in walk-off fashion.

Brian Morrell (3-1) earned the relief victory for the Panthers. He threw seven stellar innings to finish the game, scattering four hits and one earned run. He sent eight Redhawks down on strikes and walked just one.

The Redhawks will not play this week as the players will be taking final exams. They return to the diamond for a Saturday doubleheader against Eastern Kentucky. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Capaha Field.