Indians split to open series with Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team split the first two seven-inning games of a three-game series Saturday.

Southeast (2-3) got a strong pitching performance from Tim Alvarez in the opener of the doubleheader. He had a complete-game shutout for his second win of the season in a 5-0 Southeast win. Alvarez limited Memphis (2-2) to four hits while walking two and striking out one. Alvarez's lone strikeout ended the game.

The first six innings of the opener belonged to the pitchers with both teams remaining scoreless. Southeast exploded in the seventh and final inning of the game. Southeast started the inning with a solo home run by Eric Hoffman, who went 2-for-3 in the game.

Southeast scored four more runs in the inning with a two-run double by Zach Barowiak being the big blow in the inning.

Justin Christian chipped in two hits -- a run and an RBI -- in the first game.

In the second game, Southeast couldn't overcome a four-run fourth inning by the Tigers and fell 6-1. Senior James Beever (0-2) was tagged with the loss after pitching 3 2/3 innings. Beever allowed five runs.

The Tigers led 2-1 going into the fourth inning. Beever quickly got himself in trouble in the fourth by loading the bases with one out. Beever allowed a single with the bases loaded before being pulled. Donnie Fuller came in to relieve Beever after the hit and gave up a three-run home run.

Southeast had chances but stranded seven base runners through the first five innings.

In the second game the Indians out-hit the Tigers seven to four, despite being outscored by five. Seth Moulton and Tristen McDonald each had two hits in the second game.

Southeast tennis team shut out at Arkansas St.

JONESBORO, Ark. -- Southeast Missouri State's women's tennis team dropped a road match to Arkansas State University 7-0 Saturday.

Cristina Garcia dropped the most competitive match for Southeast in the No. 5 singles match 6-3, 6-3.

Women second, men third in OVC indoor finals

Southeast's women's track team was edged by Tennessee State in the OVC Indoor Championships Saturday in Charleston, Ill.

The Otahkians had 136 points to TSU's 139.5. Heather Jenkins won the shot put and set an OVC record of 59 feet, 11 inches to win the weight throw. Brooke Woodruff won the 800-meter dash in 2:13. Kaci Pilcher was second in the mile run (5:09.03), Meleisa Green was third in the long jump, Courtney Haman was second in the high jump, Michelle Jett was second in the pole vault, and Lori Sarantakis was third in the pole vault.

Southeast's men were third. Shelton Scott won the long jump and triple jump. Jay Hedell won the shot put with a throw of 59 feet, 7 3/4 inches. Jordan Willi won the pole vault. Other top performers for the Indians were Shawn Statler in the long jump (second) and Jared Tanz in the 800 meter dash (second).

-- From staff reports