Redhawks complete first OVC doubleheader sweep

For the first time all year, Southeast Missouri State was able to fully enjoy an Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader.

The Redhawks posted their initial OVC doubleheader sweep of the season Saturday, easing past Eastern Illinois 9-4 and 7-2 at Capaha Field.

Southeast (15-22, 6-8) moved into a sixth-place tie in the 10-team OVC, and the Redhawks are now just one-half game out of fifth place. EIU (9-28, 6-8) also is tied for sixth.

The Redhawks, who clinched their first conference series win of the season, will go for the series sweep 1 p.m. today.

"We played great," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan, who notched his 700th career victory as a head coach. His 24-year record is 700-511, including 323-255 in 11 seasons at Southeast. "We've had a tough year, but I'm really proud of the guys for coming out and playing like this.

"Winning 700 games is something I'm proud of, and I'm glad this team was able to do it."

Said shortstop Ernie Bracamonte: "We really needed this. It's good to get our first conference series win. We knew we still had time to turn things around, and this should give us a lot of confidence."

Southeast received complete-game pitching performances from Joey Evans and Jamie McAlister, and the Redhawks made just one error while turning in several strong defensive plays.

But probably most importantly, Southeast's slumbering offense finally woke up. Averaging just 4.3 runs per game entering the day, the Redhawks easily surpassed that in each contest. They finished the day with 20 hits, the same figure as EIU, but many of Southeast's blows were more timely.

"Our hitters produced today," McAlister said. "This is what we're capable of doing."

Evans (6-4) continued his impressive freshman season in the nine-inning opener despite allowing 13 hits. The right-hander was charged with just two earned runs. He struck out seven and did not issue a walk in his fourth complete game of the season.

"I didn't have my best stuff, but I really wanted to finish the game," said Evans, who had previously been slotted in the second game of OVC doubleheaders, which are just seven innings. "The run support was awesome."

McAlister (2-4), a junior right-hander who had been Southeast's most consistently effective pitcher out of the bullpen, made just his second start of the season. In seven innings, he allowed seven hits and two walks while striking out five.

"I was pretty pumped up about the start," said McAlister, who has primarily been a starter throughout his career, including two seasons at Jefferson Junior College. "I just want to do whatever's best for the team, but I love to start."

Bracamonte went 4-for-6 with four runs scored and three runs batted in during the two games.

Freshman first baseman James Clayton was 3-for-6 with two doubles and four RBIs; third baseman Eric Horstman went 3-for-7 and scored four runs; and center fielder Frankie Montiel had four first-game RBIs.

The Redhawks did not trail all day, and they posted early leads in both games -- 7-2 after three innings of the opener and 4-0 after three innings of the nightcap.

"It's huge to get some early runs. We haven't had much breathing room this year," Hogan said. "We got some key hits."

Keiji Szalo went 6-for-7 to lead EIU. Mark Chagnon was 5-for-9.