Indians visit unbeaten Mississippi

Bolstered by a stirring comeback victory, Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team begins a series today against another high-profile opponent.

The Indians (1-3) travel to Oxford, Miss., for a pair of games with the Mississippi Rebels (6-0), ranked 12th nationally by Baseball America. The teams will meet at 6:30 p.m. both today and Wednesday.

"We're looking forward to the opportunity of facing another great program," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "It's going to be a huge challenge for us because Mississippi is a tremendous ballclub. They're legit."

Southeast began the season by losing a three-game series at Oklahoma. Then last Wednesday, the Indians trailed host Arkansas State 9-3 in the eighth inning, but they rallied with nine runs over the final two frames to prevail 12-9.

"That was just a tremendous win for our ballclub," Hogan said. "I was really proud of the guys, the way we hung in there, and hopefully that momentum will carry over into this series."

Outfielder Eric Horstman, one of many junior college transfers in the Indians' lineup after they returned just two full-time starters from last season, has gotten his Division I career off to a hot start, hitting .526 (10-for-19). He had four-hit games against Arkansas State and Oklahoma. Horstman also leads Southeast with five runs batted in.

"Eric is just a special hitter, the real deal, because he makes great contact and he can run. I really think he'll be one of the top hitters in the OVC," Hogan said. "Our fans are really going to enjoy seeing him play."

Junior college transfer outfielder Bryan Kurt, a walk-on, made his first Southeast start at Arkansas State a memorable one with three hits. He's 4-for-7 (.571).

"Bryan is a great story, and he's really been a pleasant surprise for us," Hogan said.

Second baseman Bo Jenkins, another juco transfer, is hitting .312 (5-for-16). He and catcher Brady Noll, yet another juco transfer, have the Indians' only home runs so far.

Bill Clayton, one of the Indians' top returning pitchers who has not yet been able to work this season because of an ankle injury, is scheduled to start Wednesday. Juco transfer Mike Fitch will get the nod today.

Following the series at Mississippi, the Indians will finally begin their home schedule Saturday when Brescia College, an NAIA program from Owensboro, Ky., visits Capaha Field for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.