Redhawks halt four-game skid in OVC split

~ Southeast salvaged the second game of a doubleheader with Jacksonville State to break a four-game losing streak.

Southeast Missouri State was staring down a doubleheader sweep at the hands of Ohio Valley Conference-leading Jacksonville State, down 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth of a seven-inning game.

The Redhawks rallied with four runs in the sixth and survived a scare in the seventh to pull out a 5-3 win and a split Friday at Capaha Field. Southeast ended Jacksonville State's 16-game OVC winning streak and remained in second place in the conference, one game behind the Gamecocks. The Redhawks also ended a four-game losing streak in the process.

"I'm glad we ended their run," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "Maybe we can start our own [today]."

In the opener, the Redhawks fell 4-3 in 10 innings. Southeast moved to 20-11 overall and 6-2 in the OVC. The Gamecocks are 17-14 overall and 7-1 in the OVC.

Southeast pitcher Ivan Nails bundled up against the cold and wind during Friday's doubleheader. Temperatures topped out in the 40s.

"It was two outstanding games with the top two teams in the league going into the weekend," JSU coach Jim Case said. "Two great ballgames, one we were able to get the job done and the other they got the job done. It should make for a great game [today]."

The Redhawks were able to rally against JSU closer Alex Jones. Jones entered the game with two on and one out after Southeast had already tied the score on a Matt Wagner RBI single. The first pitch Daryl Graham saw off Jones he hit into right field, putting Southeast ahead 3-2.

Dustin Pritchett hit a fielder's choice to third and was unable to bring home Matt Wulfers from third. Pritchett was able to get to second after Jacksonville State was unable to execute a rundown with Pritchett, throwing to third too late to get Wulfers. No. 9 hitter Robby Moore followed with a two-run single for the eventual game-winning hit.

Moore is second on the Redhawks with a .370 average.

"It's a real luxury for us for our No. 9 hitter to get the game-winning hit for us," Hogan said. "We've gotten great production from our Nos. 7, 8 and 9 hitters this year."

JSU would not make it easy for Southeast starter Asif Shah in the second game, loading the bases with one out in the seventh. Shah struck out JSU leadoff hitter Bert Smith looking, but Daniel Adamson kept the game alive after plating a run on an error by Nick Harris. Garrett Bass, who entered game No. 2 with a 23-game hitting streak, grounded out to first base to end the game.

Shah threw all seven innings, allowing two earned runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and two walks. It was the third complete game for Shah, whose ERA sits at 2.45 after seven starts.

"I felt I pitched well when I needed to," Shah said.

It was a big comeback for the Redhawks after letting an early 3-1 lead slip away in the opener. JSU tied the score with two runs on four two-out hits in the sixth inning, and then scored a run with a two-out hit in the top of the 10th to grab the 4-3 win. It was the only lead in the game for JSU.

"It's all about momentum," Shah said. "Winning the second game, it builds momentum for the third game."

Dustin Renfrow earned a no-decision in the opener despite allowing just three runs in six innings. Renfrow's ERA rose to 1.76. Josh Parham took the loss after allowing a run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Omar Padilla and Matt Wagner had four hits apiece in the doubleheader for the Redhawks.