Redhawks will host Ball State in three-game weekend series

The Southeast Missouri State baseball team continues its six-game homestand today against Ball State.

Southeast and the Cardinals from the Mid-American Conference square off at 3 p.m. at Capaha Field to start a three-game series. There also will be 1 p.m. contests Saturday and Sunday.

"We're looking forward to playing some more games in front of our fans," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "The support we always get is tremendous."

The Redhawks are 3-1 after Tuesday's 3-0 win over Harris-Stowe in their home opener witnessed by more than 550 people despite cold weather.

Southeast, which began the season by taking two of three on the road against a strong Louisiana-Lafayette squad, has outscored the opposition 17-7.

The Redhawks' powerful offense has been held in check so far with a .200 batting average.

New bat restrictions for college baseball might hold down offenses in general but Hogan believes it's just a matter of time before the Redhawks begin to click.

"I think we're going to start hitting," Hogan said.

Southeast's pitching and defense have been exceptional. The Redhawks have a 1.80 ERA and have committed just one error.

"We've got a chance to be really good," senior Nick Harris said. "I know we're going to start hitting."

Ball State is off to an 0-3 start, being outscored 30-18 during a three-game series at Kennesaw State.

The Cardinals were solid last year, going 29-29 overall and tying for second in the six-team MAC West with a 19-8 record.

Ball State, picked to finish fourth in the MAC West, lost its three through six hole hitters and two of its weekend starting pitchers.

The Cardinals are batting .225, have a 7.40 ERA and have made six errors.

Southeast and Ball State never have met before in baseball.

"They've had a good program and they're going to be smarting, coming in here without a win," Hogan said. "We're playing well and we want to continue it. It should be a good series."

Southeast's projected starting rotation for the series is the same trio that started at Louisiana-Lafayette.

Senior left-hander Jordan Underwood will take the mound today, followed by seniors Jon Dicus on Saturday and Brad Labruyere on Sunday.