INDIANS, GOVERNORS SQUARE OFF FOR SERIES

Southeast Missouri State University's walking wounded baseball team is bracing for another important Ohio Valley Conference home series.

The Indians and Austin Peay will square off in a three-game set at Capaha Field starting with today's 2 p.m. doubleheader. There will be a 2 p.m. single game Saturday.

Austin Peay is tied with Murray State for first place in the OVC with a 5-1 record. The Governors are 15-9 overall. Southeast, the defending OVC Tournament champion, is 4-2 in league play, good for sole possession of third place. The Indians are 11-14 overall.

"It's a big series and it should be a great series," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan. "There's a lot on the table, but at the same time, it's only the third weekend (of conference play)."

Southeast has been hampered this season by a myriad of injuries to many of its key players.

Charlie Marino, who last year set the school's single-season home-run record with 21, and Robert Kern, another of last season's top power hitters, went down with injuries early in the season and both probably won't play again this year.

And in recent action, Jeremy Johnson (hamstring), Steve Lowe (hamstring), Darin Kinsolving (bruised knee) and Clemente Bonilla Jr. (lower back) have all been injured. All are probable for today but they won't likely be at full strength.

"I've never seen anything like it. It's the worst year for injuries I've ever had as a coach," said Hogan. "Every year has its moments as far as injuries. We had some last year, but we've never had this many severe injuries and now also the nagging ones.

"We definitely can't afford any more. Hopefully the four guys who have relatively minor injuries won't get any worse but you never know."

Hogan knows the Indians will need as many weapons as possible to battle an Austin Peay squad that has bounced back from last year's uncharacteristic tough season. The Governors finished eighth in the nine-team OVC in 1998.

"They've bounced back after a mediocre season last year," Hogan said. "They're playing very well."

The Governors' main strength has been a potent offense. Austin Peay is hitting .335 as a team, with seven players above .300. Buddy Dubois leads the way at .462. Pat O'Sullivan and Lance Wampler each have seven of the Govs' 29 home runs. O'Sullivan leads the way in runs batted in with 31.

"They've evidently really been hitting the ball well," said Hogan.

Austin Peay's pitching has not been spectacular, particularly the starters, but Hogan said the Govs have enough arms to get the job done.

Southeast is batting .272 as a team, led by Johnson's .420 mark. Phil Warren is next at .387 and Bonilla, who is having an impressive freshman season, follows at .296.

Ryan Spille, last year's OVC Pitcher of the Year, has once again been the star of Southeast's mound staff with a 6-0 record and a 2.90 earned-run average.