Redhawks lose an OVC series for first time this season

~ Eastern Kentucky beat Southeast 4-1 in Saturday's series finale.

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State's bats were relatively silent for the third straight game Saturday as the Redhawks suffered their first Ohio Valley Conference series loss of the season.

Eastern Kentucky defeated the visiting Redhawks 4-1, as Southeast had just five hits.

During Friday's doubleheader split -- Southeast won 3-1 and lost 15-1 in five innings -- the Redhawks had a total of nine hits. They entered the series leading the OVC in batting with a .307 average.

The Redhawks fell to 25-12 overall and 12-3 in OVC play, although they remained in second place in the 10-team league. The Colonels are 25-19 and 10-6.

Stephanie Huffman had two hits for the Redhawks, who scored their only run in the seventh and final inning.

Southeast pitcher Elaine Fisher (10-8), who posted the Redhawks' lone victory in the series, allowed seven hits and four runs (three earned), with three strikeouts and four walks.

The Redhawks return to action Tuesday when they host Eastern Illinois in a 3 p.m. OVC doubleheader.