Pitching shines in a doubleheader sweep

There is no guarantee that Southeast Missouri State University will win a second consecutive Ohio Valley Conference baseball championship this season.

But, in front of more than 1,200 enthusiastic fans at Capaha Field, the Indians began their title defense with a bang Saturday by sweeping a doubleheader from Tennessee Tech, 5-0 and 6-5.

And perhaps more importantly, the Indians -- who improved to 13-8 overall and pushed their winning streak to 10 games -- showed that their pitching staff is more than just the Tim Alvarez show.

Alvarez was once again brilliant, pitching a complete-game shutout in the nine-inning opener. The senior left-hander scattered seven hits and three walks while striking out seven as he improved to 8-0 and lowered his earned-run average to an incredible 1.19.

"What can you say about that guy," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "He's been unbelievable."

As enthused as Hogan was about another Alvarez gem, he was perhaps even more fired up by the second-game outing of Bill Clayton.

Clayton, a junior right-hander who pitched the last two years at Southern Illinois, has a big-time arm as evidenced by his being drafted in the 10th round out of high school. But he had struggled with his control and stamina previously this season.

But Clayton displayed his considerable potential Saturday, pitching five shutout innings before being lifted in the sixth. He allowed three runs and did not figure into the decision, but the outing was certainly a huge step in the right direction.

"It was good to go deeper into a game," said Clayton, who struck out six and walked just one while allowing four hits. "It was a step in the right direction and it's great to finally help the team out."

Said Hogan, "Bill was almost perfect for five innings. That's really encouraging. He's a guy we need in order to be the kind of ballclub we think we can be."

Clayton's showing was just part of a thrilling finale as the Eagles (11-15, 0-2) staged two late rallies only to see the Indians push across the game-winning run during their final regulation at-bat in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The squads were tied 5-5 entering the bottom of the seventh. Shortstop Zach Borowiak led off with a double and scored as catcher Tristen McDonald's ground ball to the right side was booted by second baseman Justin Mundt, the ball rolling into the outfield as Borowiak came home without a play.

"I was just trying to do my job and get the runner over to third," McDonald said. "I didn't get the best pitch to do it. I got jammed, but it worked out for the best."

Said Borowiak, "We've been picking each other up all year, so even when they came back on us we just tried to keep the momentum up. Tech is a really good team, and to beat them twice today is big for us. It's a great way to start the conference season."

Trailing 3-0, Tech tied the contest with a three-run sixth, the big blow being Casey Benjamin's two-run home run.

Southeast went back up 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth on RBI singles by third baseman Denver Stuckey and left fielder Brian Hopkins, but Tech tied it in the seventh on Britt Clubb's two-run homer.

Left-hander Stan Skakalski (2-0), Southeast's fourth pitcher of the game, was the winner despite facing just one batter. But what an out he recorded.

After Clubb's game-tying homer in the seventh off Southeast closer James Beever, the Eagles loaded the bases with two outs against Gary Gilbert, who moved over from first base. Skakalski came in to face Carlos Martin and fell behind in the count 3-0. After two called strikes, Martin grounded out to second.

"That was huge," Hogan said.

The opener belonged primarily to Alvarez, who won a stout pitching duel from Tech ace Doug Vincent. Vincent trailed just 1-0 in the fifth when he left the game after appearing to injure his right arm on a pitch.

"That was so sad. I don't wish that on anybody," Alvarez said.

Of his own performance, Alvarez said, "I felt good, and I wanted to finish the game. The defense behind me was great."

Indeed, the Indians made several eye-opening defensive plays, including catches by Gilbert, Hopkins and freshman right fielder Aaron Fangman, along with a first-inning throw by center fielder Seth Moulton that doubled up a runner trying to advance to third and set an early tone to the game.

Hopkins and designated hitter David Lawson both belted first-game homers for the Indians. Second baseman Justin Christian finished the day 4-for-8, while Hopkins and Lawson both went 3-for-7. Southeast had 17 hits on the day while Tech finished with 14.

For Tech, Cole Helms went 4-for-8. Clubb and Benjamin each had three hits.

"It was a great college afternoon of baseball, we had a great crowd, and it was a heck of a day for us. We had so many great performances," Hogan said. "Tech played their hearts out all day, and they have a fine club. It's great to start off the conference with two wins, but I know it's going to be another battle tomorrow."

The squads close out their three-game series at 1 p.m. today.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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