Redhawks ready to build off weekend's conference success

What happens during the middle of the week has no bearing on Southeast Missouri State's standing in the Ohio Valley Conference baseball race.

But the nonleague games the Redhawks play still are important for several reasons, including staying sharp and setting the tone for weekend conference action.

"It's good practice for the conference games," sophomore shortstop Nick Harris said. "The way we play in the mid-week sets the tone for the weekend."

Southeast, which is 13-10 overall and a second-place 5-2 in the 10-team OVC, will try to set a positive tone over the next two days with a pair of games at Capaha Field.

Southern Illinois University makes the short trip from Carbondale for today's 3 p.m. contest. Arkansas State visits at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"Mid-week games are important for us," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan, who over the weekend became the seventh OVC baseball coach to win 400 games at one school. "It helps us try to stay sharp, not only at the plate but to give pitchers work."

Southeast annually faces SIU and ASU in a home-and-home series. The Redhawks visit Carbondale next Tuesday, while they play at ASU on April 22.

Last season the Redhawks split with the Salukis, losing 7-2 at home and winning 9-7 on the road.

The Redhawks suffered a 6-5 loss in Jonesboro, Ark., but the return meeting in Cape Girardeau was rained out.

"We've had good games with both teams over the years," Hogan said. "Both generally have solid ballclubs."

SIU figures to be particularly formidable. The Salukis are 18-11 after Monday's 17-4 pounding of Murray State that marked their fifth straight win. They are a fifth-place 3-3 in the nine-team Missouri Valley Conference.

The Salukis went 34-22 a year ago and tied for third in the MVC.

"It's a big rival of ours and I know they have a good team," Harris said. "We'll have good energy."

Hogan said he will give freshman right-hander Brad LaBruyere from Central High School his third collegiate start today.

LaBruyere has enjoyed a solid rookie season so far, going 2-0 with a 4.02 ERA.

LaBruyere has worked 15 2/3 innings spanning seven appearances, including five out of the bullpen. He has allowed 18 hits, walked three and struck out 12.

"Brad has done well for us," Hogan said.

Hogan said he is undecided on who will start Wednesday against ASU, which is 14-18 overall and a 10th-place 5-10 in the 11-team Sun Belt Conference.

Two possibilities to face the Indians are redshirt freshman Corey Harness and junior college transfer Josh Manning.

Harness and Manning, both right-handers, have seen limited action. Harness has no record and a 3.86 ERA over 2 1/3 innings, while Manning is 1-0 with a 10.57 ERA covering 7 2/3 innings.

Manning has made one start. Harness was slated to receive his first collegiate start March 25 against Missouri State, but was scratched for what Hogan termed a "very minor" violation of team rules.

Southeast is coming off an OVC series win against Murray State, taking two of three at home over the weekend.

The Redhawks resume conference action this weekend with a three-game set at preseason OVC favorite Jacksonville State.

But first Southeast hopes to set a positive tone over the next two days.

Renfrow honored

Southeast senior right-hander Dustin Renfrow is the OVC co-pitcher of the week for the second time this season.

He earned victories against sixth-ranked Vanderbilt and Murray State, throwing 10 innings with three earned runs allowed in two outings last week.

Renfrow, second-team all-OVC last year, pitched a seven-inning complete game Saturday against Murray State, allowing five hits and two runs. He worked three innings during Tuesday's upset at Vanderbilt, allowing one earned run.

Renfrow (3-1, 2.91) is tied for fourth in the OVC in wins, fourth in ERA and fourth in strikeouts per game. He has fanned 37 in 34 innings, while allowing 23 hits.

Renfrow shared the OVC weekly honor with Stephen Huff of Austin Peay, who took a no-hitter into the seventh inning Saturday against Morehead State.