Redhawks change luck with 10-inning victory

Southeast escaped a ninth-inning jam and went on to defeat St. Louis University 3-2.

Southeast Missourian

ST. LOUIS -- Southeast Missouri State's Freddy Lopez picked a perfect time for his first extra-base hit of the year.

Lopez delivered a two-run double in the top of the 10th inning to break a tie and send the Redhawks to a 3-2 victory against host St. Louis University on Tuesday.

The Redhawks improved to 10-16 with the nonconference triumph. The Billikens fell to 4-21.

"We won one the hard way today, and it's been a long time since we've done that," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan, whose squad had lost nine of its past 12 games, with several of the defeats coming in the late innings. "I'm really thrilled for our club. We needed that."

The teams ended the regulation nine innings deadlocked 1-1. In the top of the 10th, Southeast pinch-hitter Brent Lawson led off with a walk and was sacrificed to second by Ernie Bracamonte. Frankie Montiel singled to center, sending Lawson to third.

Lopez, who had eight home runs and eight doubles as a Southeast junior last season, doubled to score both Lawson and Montiel.

Southeast was only able to enter extra frames and avoid an upset because of some stellar pitching.

Starter Andy Johnson worked eight-plus innings, allowing just one run and five hits, while striking out three and walking four.

Freshman Joey Evans, who pitched a conference shutout against Jacksonville State on Saturday, replaced Johnson after SLU led off the ninth with a single.

Following a sacrifice, an intentional walk and an unintentional walk loaded the bases. But Evans escaped the threat with a strikeout and flyout to left.

Even after the Redhawks went ahead in the 10th, they had to wriggle free from a dangerous bottom of the frame.

Josh Parham started the 10th and allowed a leadoff single to Neil Graser. Pat Steinhoff followed with a single, and when the ball was misplayed in the outfield, Graser scored and Steinhoff advanced to second.

Parham retired Drew Eder on a fly ball to center, then Jamie McAlister replaced Parham. McAlister retired Scott Peden on a ground ball to second, then earned his first Southeast save by striking out Johnny Sweeney.

Evans was credited with the victory, as he evened his record at 3-3.

"Andy Johnson's job was tremendous, saving our pitching staff, and nothing Joey Evans does surprises me any more," Hogan said. "We've had so many horrible finishes lately. To win one like that is great for our club."

Southeast outhit SLU 11-7. Brady Noll led the way with three hits. Bracamonte, Montiel and Bryan Kurt each had two hits.

SLU grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second on two hits and a double play.

Southeast tied it in the fifth. Eric Horstman singled with one out, extending his hitting streak to 18 games, and advanced to second on an error. He scored on Bracamonte's two-out single for the only damage against SLU starter Etienne Ratte-Delorne, who was impressive in nine innings.

Southeast returns to action 6 p.m. today with a home game against the University of Missouri (23-5), which is ranked 19th and 23rd in the two major national polls. It will be Bluff City Beer night at Capaha Field, as free food and beverages will be available.

Freshman Casey Johnson (1-2, 3.12 ERA) is scheduled to start for Southeast tonight.