Redhawks demonstrate fight in loss

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Southeast Missouri State baseball team came home from a season-opening three-game series against Tulane University with an 0-3 record.

That's not much of a surprise since the Green Wave is ranked in the top five of all four college baseball polls, including No. 1 in Baseball America.

But the Redhawks were at least competitive in Saturday's doubleheader.

After losing the opener 9-0 Friday and striking out 15 times while managing only two hits, Southeast lost 6-3 and 9-3 on Saturday.

"I was proud of the way the guys battled back after a rough first game in a tough environment," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "We've played teams like this early in the season every year, and we will continue to do so as long as I am the coach. Nobody wants to start the season 0-3, but I think this toughens a team up."

Redhawks center fielder Frank Montiel, who had three hits and was on base all four times in the nightcap Saturday, was encouraged with his team's play in the doubleheader. Southeast held a 16 to 15 hit advantage over Tulane in the doubleheader.

"It was exciting to play the No. 1 team in the nation, although yesterday was a pretty bad day for all of us," Montiel said Saturday. "We faced a pitcher [Brian Bogusevic] who is the best lefty I have ever faced. I am sure he is going to be a high draft pick.

"But today we came out and showed a lot of maturity as a team. We had some bright spots like Chris Gibson. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we have an athletic team and I think we will have a good, winning season."

Gibson had two hits and all three RBIs in the first game of the doubleheader.

Southeast broke on top in the first inning of the nightcap with back-to-back two-out doubles by Ernie Bracamonte and Montiel. Southeast later had a 3-2 lead following doubles by Jordan Payne, Montiel and Brent Lawson.

But Tulane took a 5-3 lead after three innings and scored four runs in the eighth inning.

"I think this should be a learning experience for us," Hogan said. "We have a couple of weeks now to work on some things before we come back down here [to face Southeast Louisiana]. I think we will be a better team because of this experience."