Redhawks suffer third Classic loss

~ Southeast lost a ninth-inning lead and went on to lose 10-6 in 11 innings.

Redhawks baseball coach Mark Hogan knew when he decided to go with a largely inexperienced lineup this season it would take time for his new players to adjust to the speed of Division I baseball.

Playing in its third of four games at the Little Caesars Pizza Classic on Saturday at Capaha Park, Southeast showed some signs of life but could not overcome five fielding errors and several mental mistakes in a 10-6 loss to Indiana State in 11 innings.

The loss was the second against the Sycamores (3-4) in two days -- Indiana State defeated the Redhawks 8-1 on Friday -- and dropped the Redhawks to 4-7. Southeast will play Creighton at 4 p.m. today at Capaha Field in the finale of the Classic.

"We made a commitment from Day One to play new players," Hogan said. "I've already seen some bright spots, just not always in the win column.

"I'm not afraid of our talent. I like our ball club. I think the future is bright. We just have to settle down and relax more. Experience will do that."

Experience will also help the Redhawks handle pressure situations, something Southeast had trouble with on Saturday. Despite committing four errors through eight innings, Southeast held a slim 6-5 lead heading into the top of the ninth inning.

Junior college transfer Phillip Riley came in to close the game out, but No. 9 hitter Cory Kral blasted Riley's first pitch over the left-field fence to tie the score 6-6. Riley pitched around a double in the 10th, but a two-out error in the 11th came back to haunt the Redhawks. Junior college transfer Robby Moore booted a ball at shortstop to allow Ryan Bond to come to the plate, and Bond sent a shot into the gap for a three-run triple.

Spoiled among Southeast's late-inning collapse was a strong relief effort from Jackson-native Josh Parham, who threw 3 1/3 innings in relief of starter Asif Shah. Parham, who was in line for the win when he left the game, allowed two unearned runs on three hits. He had three strikeouts and did not walk a batter.

"He did a great job for us," Hogan said. "He pitched a fantastic relief appearance. He's a big part of our staff."

Shah lasted 4 2/3 innings as the starter and allowed two earned runs with four walks and four strikeouts. Riley took the loss despite striking out five in 2 2/3 innings.

The Sycamores received spotless relief from Clay Kovac and closer Brian Omogrosso. Kovac struck out six in 3 1/3 innings, including back-to-back hitters with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh.

Omogrosso struck out three and did not allow a hit over the final three innings for the win.

Sycamores coach Bob Warn said the work of his relievers was the key to Saturday's win.

"If Kovac doesn't do the job, Omogrosso doesn't pitch, and we don't win," he said. "It's all about role playing. How you use your players, and how they execute when called on."

Aaron Rave and Omar Padilla each had three hits for the Redhawks, who banged out nine hits following an eight-hit day in two losses on Friday. Riley and Rave had two RBIs apiece.