Indians seek momentum out of Bills

Southeast Missouri State University baseball coach Mark Hogan wants the Indians to carry plenty of momentum into this weekend's three-game series at perennial national power Alabama.

In order for that to happen, the Indians (3-5) need to defeat St. Louis University (4-7) when the squads square off at 3 p.m. today at Capaha Field.

"It's a chance for us to get closer to .500 and get some momentum before going to Alabama," Hogan said.

The Indians are riding a two-game winning streak after posting a doubleheader shutout over visiting Brescia University on Sunday. Southeast handled the NAIA program from Kentucky 6-0 and 8-0.

"Hopefully those two wins will help get us going," designated hitter Eric Hoffman said.

As he does every season, Hogan puts his squad up against a rugged non-conference schedule that has resulted in the Indians' losing record to date.

Southeast lost twice at 10th-ranked Mississippi and three times at 20th-ranked Oklahoma. In addition to this weekend's series at Alabama (10-4), later in the season Southeast visits Oklahoma State for two games and hosts Southwest Missouri State for three games. The Cowboys are a traditional power while the Bears played in last year's College World Series.

"We've played some really good competition so far and we've taken our lumps, but I think it's going to make us a better ballclub in the long run," Hogan said. "We've got so many new players, it's a learning experience for the players and coaches."

SLU's Billikens aren't a traditional power, but Hogan figures they'll give the Indians quite a battle. Southeast has won the past five meetings with SLU, but the games have generally been competitive.

"They'll play as hard as anybody against us. They always do," Hogan said.

The Billikens have struggled offensively with a .238 batting average against an unimposing schedule. Leading the way have been Pat Steinhoff (.353) and Aaron Thompson (.323).

SLU has an earned-run average of 6.53. Top starters have been Dave Guntorius (1-1, 2.41) and freshman Ryan Bird (1-1, 2.70). Both are right-handers.

Southeast is hitting .277, led by outfielder Eric Horstman (.455), outfielder Bryan Kurt (.375) and Hoffman (.333).

"We need to win our games at home and St. Louis University is a rival of ours, so it's a big game," Hoffman said.

The Indians' pitching staff carries a 7.29 ERA, but that figure was well over 9.00 prior to Sunday's doubleheader sweep. Hogan said right-hander Mike Fitch (0-1, 5.02), who had a strong outing recently at Mississippi, will start today.