March 17, 2008

By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill.-Southern Illinois University (8-7) opens up a four-game homestand against Murray State (6-6) Tuesday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m., CST.

Tuesday's game marks SIU's final tune-up before opening Missouri Valley Conference play. The Salukis host Indiana State in a three-game series, beginning Friday.

SIU, which won five of its last seven games, recently returned from San Antonio. The Salukis went 3-2 during their spring break last week.

Scott Elmendorf took over as the Salukis' top hitter when he hit .409 (9-for-22) with six runs, a double, home run, three RBI and two stolen bases in six games. Elmendorf, who collected two hits in five-straight games (Mar. 9-15), boosted his average by 22 points (from .342 to .364).

MSU comes to town after dropping three of its last four. The Thoroughbreds, fresh off a series loss to Bowling Green, are led by Kyle Tiernan. Tiernan is hitting .364 for a Thoroughbred club that has only two home runs this year.

SIU is 37-12 all-time against MSU, including a 15-5 mark under head coach Dan Callahan.

Right-hander Andrew Dunn (1-3) will likely start on the mound.