Redhawks lose day after win over Vandy

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Southeast Missouri State baseball team experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in a 24-hour period.

One day after winning at sixth-ranked Vanderbilt, the Redhawks suffered an 8-7 loss at Evansville, which had won just three games all season.

Wednesday night's defeat dropped the Redhawks to 11-9 as they lost for only the fifth time in their last 14 games. The Aces improved to 4-21.

Southeast, trailing 7-4 entering the top of the ninth inning, scored three runs despite having only one hit. They benefited from four walks.

But Evansville came back with a run in the bottom of the ninth to end the contest.

After getting 15 hits against national power Vanderbilt, the Redhawks managed just eight hits against Evansville.

Matt Wulfers had two hits and drove in three runs. Kieran Bradford added two hits.

Freshman Brad LaBruyere, who has given the Redhawks several strong outings, made his second Southeast start. He allowed four runs and seven hits over four innings. He struck out two, walked none and hit a batter.

Five pitchers followed LaBruyere to the mound. They combined to allow six hits.

Things looked bleak for the Redhawks when they entered the top of the ninth down 7-4.

But Jim Klocke, Justin Wheeler and Tyrell Cummings drew consecutive walks to start the frame, then Trenton Moses walked with one out to force in a run.

Wulfers, one of Southeast's hottest hitters in recent weeks, delivered a two-run single to tie the game.

Southeast again loaded the bases again with only one out, but pinch-hitter Louie Haseltine — a redshirt freshman who had received just five previous career at-bats — struck out and Nick Harris flew out.

Evansville won the contest in the bottom of the ninth against two pitchers who had combined to throw less than three innings this season.

Sam Rosener, who had worked just 2/3 of an inning, began the ninth by allowing a bunt single to Greg Wallace, and a wild pitch sent Wallace to second.

On came Corey Harness, who had pitched two innings. He issued an intentional walk, then Andy Pascou sacrificed and reached on an error.

That loaded the bases with nobody out, and Derek Melton delivered a sacrifice fly for the game-winning RBI. Rosener suffered the loss.

Southeast resumes Ohio Valley Conference play this weekend with a three-game home series against Murray State. The Redhawks are in second place in the OVC at 3-1.