Indians face another heavyweight in OSU

Southeast Missouri State University will take yet another crack at one of the nation's traditionally strong programs when the Indians visit Stillwater, Okla., for a two-game series with Oklahoma State.

The Indians (10-12) and Cowboys (17-9) will square off at 6:30 p.m. tonight and at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

"It's going to be another very big challenge for our ballclub," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "Oklahoma State has a great tradition and they're having a good season so far."

Both squads opened their league schedules over the weekend. Southeast won two of three games with Ohio Valley Conference rival Murray State while OSU of the Big 12 Conference dropped two of three at No. 2 Texas.

OSU leads the series with Southeast 3-1, but the Indians own the most recent victory as they prevailed 5-3 in 2002 in Stillwater.

"I think we've got the type of team that can challenge a club like Oklahoma State, but we've got to play well to do it," Hogan said.

While the Cowboys have one of college baseball's most storied traditions, their recent history has not been all that great, which led to the firing of coach Tom Holliday following last season. He was replaced by former Texas assistant Frank Anderson.

After OSU had a 19-year run of consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, the Cowboys missed the postseason three out of four years, which led to Holliday's dismissal.

The Indians have not yet had any success this season on the road against the nation's heavyweights. They lost three games at Oklahoma, three at Alabama and two at Mississippi -- with only one of the eight defeats by less than six runs.

"We've played some tremendous programs so far and Oklahoma State will be another one," Hogan said.

OSU has a potent offense as the Cowboys are batting .325, with seven regulars above .300. Leading the way are Rusty Ryal (.388), Jason Jaramillo (.370) and Josh Fields (.366). Fields is the Cowboys' standout football quarterback who figures to be taken high in this year's amateur baseball draft.

Southeast, after a slow offensive start, has its batting average up to .290, with five regulars above .300, led by Bryan Kurt (.389), Frankie Montiel (.354) and Freddy Lopez (.352).

Following the OSU series, the Indians will resume OVC play this weekend with a three-game set at preseason favorite Jacksonville (Ala.) State. The Gamecocks are off to a 3-0 league start, which ties them for first place with Austin Peay.

"We want to go to Oklahoma State and play well, but as far as pitching, we have to keep an eye on Jacksonville State because that's going to be a very big series," Hogan said.

Hogan said left-hander Stan Skakalski will probably start tonight. Wednesday's starter has not yet been determined.