Poole earns elusive first win on the mound

~ One of Southeast's most worked relievers earned the victory.

Ryan Poole has been one of Southeast Missouri State's steadiest and most reliable relievers in his two years with the program.

But the senior had to wonder if he ever would be the winning pitcher in a game for the Redhawks.

"I knew it had to come some time," he said. "I didn't know when."

The moment finally arrived Saturday as the host Redhawks swept a doubleheader from Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.

Poole, who pitched at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff before coming to Southeast, received credit for the 9-4 second-game victory as he was in the contest when Southeast rallied from a 4-3 deficit.

Poole (1-0) fired off 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and no walks while striking out two.

"It felt real good," Poole said of his first victory with the Redhawks.

No one was more pleased for Poole than Southeast coach Mark Hogan, who raves about Poole's attitude and willingness to help the team in any situation.

"I'm very happy for him," Hogan said. "The role he's got, he doesn't get in a position for many wins.

"He comes in and gets a lot of holds. He's been totally unselfish and he's been a very important guy in the middle of our staff."

Poole, who primarily has worked as a middle reliever since coming to Southeast, leads the Redhawks with 17 appearances this season.

It's not uncommon for Poole to appear in both ends of a doubleheader as his arm seems to bounce back well.

The good-natured Poole said he enjoys his role and wants to aid the Redhawks any way he can.

"I love doing it, coming out of the 'pen," said Poole, an Arkansas native who received just one decision last year -- a loss -- while tying for second on the squad with 18 appearances in his first Division I season. "I always tell coach that if anything comes up, I'm ready at all times."

Added Hogan: "He's just really a team-first guy. And he's a fun guy to be around, with the way he jokes and kids around. All the guys really like him."

Poole aided himself Saturday with a fifth-inning fielding gem that helped keep Southeast within 4-3 and set the stage for the Redhawks to take the lead for good in the bottom of the frame.

With a man on third and one out, SIUE's Chilos Norris hit a one-hop bullet back to the mound that Poole somehow managed to glove. He threw out Norris and retired the next batter to strand the runner at third.

Poole flashed a big grin when recalling the play.

"It came at me quick," said Poole, whose 4.68 ERA in 25 innings ranks third on the Redhawks. "I think it's one of the hardest balls I've ever had hit at me."