Redhawks score 22 runs in rout of Ball State

Saturday's error-filled, 13-inning loss to Ball State had no lingering effects on the Southeast Missouri State baseball team.

The Redhawks bounced back in a big way Sunday, romping 22-8 at Capaha Field to take two of three games in the series.

"Yesterday was a real tough one," senior left fielder Michael Adamson said. "It was good to see us get a good, quality win."

Southeast improved to 5-2 while dropping the Cardinals to 1-5.

"I was proud of the guys," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan, whose squad made one error Sunday after having 10 errors in the first two games of the series. "We won the series. That's the main thing when you split the first two."

Southeast Missouri State's Nick Harris congratulates teammate Michael Adamson (1) on his three-run home run against Ball State during the fourth inning Sunday at Capaha Field. Southeast defeated Ball State 22-8. (Laura Simon)

The Redhawks reached a season-high run total and pounded out 16 hits, including the first career grand slam by junior catcher Jesse Tierney and a three-run homer by Adamson in the fourth inning that put Southeast ahead for good at 6-4.

Southeast built a cushion with a six-run fifth inning that featured five hits and made it 12-5.

Tierney's seventh-inning slam broke things wide open at 17-6. A five-run eighth inning capped the rout.

"I don't know that I've ever had a grand slam. I usually get the solo shots," said a smiling Tierney, who has three career homers following his first of the season. "I put a good swing on it. I knew I got all of it."

Adamson finished his productive series by going 3 for 5 with four RBIs. He went 10 for 16 (.625) with seven RBIs in the three games.

Fans cheer on the Redhawks during their victory against Ball State on Sunday at Capaha Field.

"It's kind of funny because I wasn't feeling good all weekend, battling a little bug thing," said Adamson, who got his first homer of the season.

Senior first baseman Casey Jones, Southeast's top hitter last year with a .398 average who had been slumping prior to the series, went 3 for 3 and drew three walks as he was on base in all six plate appearances.

Senior second baseman Tim Rupp, who also had been struggling at the plate, went 3 for 5 with four RBIs.

"It was good to see some of those guys break loose," Hogan said.

Tierney had two hits and six RBIs. Senior shortstop Kenton Parmley added three RBIs and senior right fielder Louie Haseltine drove in a pair.

Southeast junior Taylor Heon picks off Ball State freshman Mitch Overley in the fourth inning Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

"It's a real confidence boost for our offense," Tierney said.

The Redhawks, who entered the series batting .200, raised that mark to .276 and hit three of their four homers on the season.

New bat specifications for college baseball have scaled down power.

"It's hard to tell with these bats," said Adamson when asked if he knew his well-struck home run would leave the park. "We're getting there. We've got a lot of good hitters."

Southeast had a season-high five steals -- two by Rupp -- and received 14 walks. BSU pitchers also hit two batters.

Kody Campbell, left, and Louie Haseltine score on a bases-loaded single by Tim Rupp during the fifth inning Sunday at Capaha Field.

Redhawks starter Brad LaBruyere, a senior from Central High School, allowed four runs (three earned) and four hits in three innings.

Senior Nick Thomas notched the victory with three solid innings. He gave up two runs and four hits while striking out three and walking none.

Seniors Jacob Wente and Corey Harness both fired a scoreless inning. Freshman left-hander Christian Hull allowed two runs in the ninth.

"Nick did a real good job," Hogan said. "Jacob and Corey both threw well in their first outings this season."

BSU had 15 hits, led by Cody Elliott's 5-for-5 performance.

"They swung the bats well. Normally with 15 hits you might get more than eight runs," Hogan said. "I think they've got a good ballclub."

The Redhawks close out a six-game homestand with 2 p.m. contests Tuesday and Wednesday against Central Arkansas.