INDIANS SPLIT IN OKLAHOMA

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team had too much for Central Oklahoma and not quite enough for nationally ranked Oklahoma State as the Indians split a pair of games here Thursday.

The Indians began the day with a 7-0 victory over Division II Central Oklahoma as Todd Pennington turned in a masterful pitching performance.

Oklahoma State, ranked 14th and 15th in the two major national polls, then held off a late Southeast rally to prevail 10-7.

Southeast, now 8-5 on the season, will take on Princeton at 11:30 a.m. today, that game being played at Oklahoma State's Reynolds Stadium, as were Thursday's two contests.

Pennington (2-0) was totally dominant against Central Oklahoma as he extended his consecutive scoreless streak to 15 innings. The right-hander pitched all nine innings, allowing just three hits -- all singles -- while striking out 12 and walking three.

The Indians had nine hits against the Bronchos (9-5), led by Clemente Bonilla and Vern Hatton with two each. Bonilla and Jeff Bourbon each belted their first home runs of the season. Hatton also drove in two runs, as did freshman Brad Beatty.

Against Oklahoma State (13-3), the Indians dug themselves an early hole as the Cowboys scored three runs in the first inning and added two more in the second.

Southeast closed to within 6-4 at one point but fell back behind 9-4. Trailing 10-5, the Indians scored twice in the ninth but the rally fell short.

Tommy Thomas (1-2) suffered the loss as he allowed five runs, four hits and four walks in just two innings.

Brad Purcell gave up four runs on four hits and four walks in three innings.

Mark Frazier was impressive in hurling the final three frames, allowing one run and one hit. He fanned four and walked four.

Hatton had another strong game with two hits -- including his first homer of the year -- and three RBIs. Shane Allen also had two of the Indians' eight hits.

Jose Virgil, Zach Cates and Rob Watson all had two of the Cowboys' 10 hits.

Josh Herrigan (4-2) got the victory, allowing four hits and four runs in five innings.