Southeast's offense quiet in twinbill loss to Bradley

Southeast Missouri State, after scoring 18 runs in two victories early last week, were silenced Saturday while being swept by Bradley in a pair of seven-inning games.

Southeast lost 1-0 and 6-1, picking up just two hits in the first game and eight in the nightcap.

The Redhawks (3-5) host Bradley (4-2) at 1 p.m. today in the final game of the three-game series.

"Bradley's pitching was outstanding," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "We knew coming in that they were going to be top notch on the mound. Every scouting report we received was about how solid they were."

Bradley's Brandon McGee tossed a complete-game two-hitter in the opener, and Brian Spielmann allowed one run and struck out nine in five innings in the second game.

McGee outdueled Southeast's combination of Derek Herbig, who was pulled after 1 1/3 innings and allowed the game's only run, and freshman Joey Evans. Evans allowed just two hits over 5 2/3 innings. Herbig, who fell to 0-1 after being charged with the loss, had allowed a run in the opening inning when Ryan Curry scored on Joe Napoli's sacrifice fly. He left the game after allowing two hits and three walks.

"We played a pretty good game. We played error-free ball," Hogan said. "But we just couldn't do anything with Magee."

The Redhawks couldn't do much with Spielmann either in the second game.

Bradley took a lead in the first inning with three hits to open, including Paul Rice's single to center field that drove in Brian LeJeone. Southeast pitcher Anthony Maupin pitched out of the jam, however, and the Redhawks scored in the bottom of the first when Frank Montiel singled home Jordan Payne.

Maupin could not keep the Braves at bay, however, allowing three runs in the second inning. He was charged with the loss in his first decision of the year.

Jamie McAlister relieved and allowed only one run on three hits in 4 1/3 innings.

"Spielmann gave them a really good start," Hogan said. "I thought McAlister came in and did a nice job for us as well. But we didn't get the starts we wanted today, and they were able to get ahead of us."

After today's game, Southeast's homestand continues with a 3 p.m. Monday game against South Dakota State, a 3 p.m. Wednesday game against Southern Illinois and a 3 p.m. game March 13 against Freed-Hardeman.