Indians' big guns produce sweep

On Support Our Troops Day at Capaha Field, it was fitting that Southeast Missouri State University pulled out its big artillery to sweep a one-sided doubleheader.

The Indians banged out 27 hits -- including eight for extra bases -- and routed Division II Lincoln 17-0 and 7-2 Wednesday in front of more than 1,100 fans, many of whom donated almost two truckloads of supplies to support U.S. troops overseas.

Lincoln, which lost heavily to graduation from last year's squad, must have felt like it was in a war zone as the Tigers fell to 6-20.

"We've got a young team, and hopefully we can learn from a day like this," Lincoln coach Earl Wheeler said.

For the Indians, the day turned out as glorious as the weather as they pushed their winning streak to five games and evened their record at 8-8.

"It's been a long climb back to .500 for us," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "It was a great day all around."

In addition to the offensive onlslaught, Southeast's inexperienced pitching staff continued to round into form after a slow start and combined to allow just 10 hits in 16 innings. Seven Indian hurlers teamed up for 23 strikeouts.

"They're really improving," Southeast pitching coach Jeremy Tyson said.

Among the Indians' many offensive stars were two returning players from last season who had been struggling.

Senior catcher Tristen McDonald, who batted .353 with 52 runs batted in last year to rank second on the team in both categories, entered Wednesday with just a .260 average and -- somewhat amazingly -- not one RBI.

McDonald took care of that dubious statistic in the first inning of the opener when he delivered a run-scoring single. He finished the day 5-for-8 with five RBIs and five runs scored, pushing his average to .310.

"The first RBI took a load off," McDonald said, smiling. "I've been working a lot and feeling good at the plate. I never really doubted myself. I haven't been producing, but hopefully I can get going and help the team."

Senior right fielder/designated hitter David Lawson, also solid last year with a .299 average, started this season hitless in his first 20 at-bats. He entered Wednesday at .107, then went 4-for-6 with seven RBIs and his first home run of the season. Lawson raised his average nearly 100 points to .206.

"It feels real good to break out," Lawson said. "It's still early, and I didn't get too frustrated. Eventually it will come around."

Also strong offensively in the doubleheader were senior left fielder Brian Hopkins (4-for-10, five runs scored); senior second baseman Justin Christian (4-for-8, four runs scored); and senior shortstop Zach Borowiak (3-for-8). Senior third baseman Denver Stuckey and freshman right fielder/designated hitter Aaron Fangman both added two hits.

On the mound, senior left-hander Tim Alvarez again led the way, although for once he had to share the spotlight. Alvarez worked five shutout innings in the lopsided, nine-inning opener, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out five. He is 6-0 with a 1.62 earned-run average.

"I didn't think I had very good stuff," Alvarez said. "Of course it's nice to win, but I can pitch a lot better."

Sophomore left-hander Jon Nourie, a junior-college transfer who had been struggling, earned his first Southeast victory. He worked five innings of the seven-inning finale, allowing four hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out nine and walking none.

"It's about time," Nourie said. "I'm feeling much better and more confident. I threw like I used to throw."

Said Hogan, "Nourie has excellent stuff. He's a guy we're going to be counting on and this should be really good for his confidence."

Senior right-hander James Beever worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings spread over both games; junior-college transfer left-hander Korey Klein fanned three in two perfect innings during his first action of the season; junior-college transfer right-hander Ryan Forsyth fanned three in one scoreless inning as he continued his recent string of strong outings; and junior-college transfer left-hander Stan Skakalski hurled a scoreless frame.

"Our pitching is coming together," McDonald said.

The Indians return to action Friday, hosting NAIA Missouri Valley College at 4 p.m.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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