SEMO baseball

It was a powerful start to the 2013 campaign for the Southeast Missouri State baseball team. The squad opened its season on the road at the University of New Orleans. In the three-game series, the Redhawks hit six home runs en route to the program's first three-game series sweep to open a season since 2001.

Southeast is back in action today for its home opener at Capaha Field. The Redhawks will play Harris-Stowe at a 3 p.m. This is the first of a nine-game home stand.

There's something special about college baseball, particularly in Cape Girardeau. On game days, Capaha Park provides a festive atmosphere in which college students, alumni and other fans set up lawn chairs, visit and enjoy tailgate parties. And when there's good baseball to watch -- which we've become accustomed to for many years -- it's even more fun.

Following last year's season Coach Mark Hogan announced his retirement, and Steve Bieser was named the team's interim coach. This weekend was a good start for Bieser, and it will be interesting to watch the new dynamic he brings to the game. Nevertheless, the games are played by the players, and Southeast has had its share of talent in recent years.

We're confident new stars will emerge this season, and hope you root on the Redhawks at Capaha.