Redhawks head south in search of first win

Southeast Missouri State's baseball team performed well during its season-opening series at top-ranked Tulane, but the Redhawks had no victories to show for their efforts.

This weekend, Southeast's primary goal will be entering the win column, as the Redhawks (0-3) visit Southeastern Louisiana (4-3) for a three-game series.

The contests in Hammond, La., will begin at 6:30 p.m. today, 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

"I feel like we need to win this weekend," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "We need to go make a statement for ourselves, and they're the next chance we have to make it right."

Other than not being able to squeeze out a victory, Hogan came away pleased with the Redhawks' showing at Tulane.

The powerhouse Green Wave posted 9-0, 6-3 and 9-3 victories, but the final two games were tight until the late going, with the second contest tied 3-3 with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before a three-run double broke things open.

"I was encouraged, especially after we got it handed to us pretty good the first day by a tremendous pitcher, but we came back the last two games and were really competitive," Hogan said. "I was encouraged by several of the new guys who we thought could contribute, and we had some solid pitching performances.

"We still have a long way to go to figure everything out, but I think we're headed in the right direction. I hate to start out 0-3, but Tulane kind of validated itself by sweeping Arizona State, which had been a ranked ballclub."

Southeastern Louisiana went just 19-37 last year -- including 11-16 in the Southland Conference -- and was selected ninth out of 10 teams in the league preseason poll.

But the Lions have gotten off to a good start, including taking two of three last weekend at defending Ohio Valley Conference tournament champion Jacksonville State.

"I talked with [Jacksonville State coach] Jim Case and he was disappointed with the way they played, but he said Southeastern Louisiana is a good club," Hogan said. "It should be a good series. The reason we hooked up with them is they're coming to our place next year for a series, and at the same time we have to travel to warmer places to get in games early.

"Since they're a warm weather club, I expect them to be ahead of us, so I'm sure we'll have our hands full."

Hogan said left-hander Derek Herbig, who had a strong performance in the second game at Tulane, will start today.

Right-hander Anthony Maupin, who had been recovering from arm surgery, is scheduled to make his first appearance of the season as the Saturday starter, with either Jamie McAlister or Ryan Forsyth -- right-handers who were solid at Tulane -- getting the nod Sunday.

"Herbig threw exceptionally well at Tulane. He was probably our top guy," Hogan said. "Maupin has been cleared and, if all goes well, we'll start him Saturday, on a pitch count.

"McAlister and Forsyth both looked pretty good at Tulane. Depending on what happens Saturday, we'll see which one goes Sunday."

Noteworthy

* Southeast received good news earlier this week when senior outfielder Bryan Kurt -- who started 27 games last year and batted .286 -- was cleared to play by the NCAA after there had been issues with his eligibility.

"We're glad he's back," Hogan said. "He's another quality player for us, and he'll give us a shot in the arm."