Redhawks will host St. Louis in home debut

After two long road trips, Southeast Missouri State's baseball team is finally ready to open its home season.

The Redhawks (2-4) take on St. Louis University (1-3) at 2 p.m. today at Capaha Field as they start a seven-game homestand that includes a three-game series this weekend against Bradley.

"We're looking forward to playing at home for the first time, and we have a great homestand coming up," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said.

After being swept in a three-game series at top-ranked Tulane, Southeast broke into the win column this past weekend by taking two of three at Southeastern Louisiana.

Southeast's bats were largely silenced by Tulane's stellar pitching staff, and also in the first two games against Southeastern Louisiana, but the Redhawks broke out in Sunday's series finale with 16 hits during a 14-7 victory.

"I think we showed what our bats could do Sunday," Hogan said. "Hopefully we'll keep hitting the ball well."

Returning shortstop Ernie Bracamonte broke out of an early-season slump by going 4-for-5 Sunday, while junior college transfer Jordan Payne continued his strong early play with three hits, including a three-run home run.

Returning center fielder Frankie Montiel added two hits, including a three-run homer and five RBIs; junior college transfer Chris Gibson had two hits; and freshman James Clayton added a pair of doubles.

Payne has gotten off to a .350 start (7-for-20) with five RBIs to rank second on the team in both categories behind Montiel, who is batting .391 (9-for-23) with seven RBIs.

"Payne is a real good athlete who does a lot of things well. He's really battled and gotten some key hits for us," Hogan said. "He's taken advantage of his opportunities and has made a big impression on everybody.

"We signed him as a shortstop, but with Bracamonte there, we've looked at him in several different positions. He's already played third base, first base and the outfield."

Despite returning veterans at most positions, several newcomers have worked their way into the lineup, which Hogan said will likely continue as long as they produce.

"Nothing is etched in stone, but the guys swinging the bat will definitely be in the lineup," he said.

Hogan said Southeast's pitching has generally been solid so far, with 11 hurlers already seeing action. And the staff figures to get a major workout over the busy next couple of weeks.

"These next few weeks are going to allow us to pitch a lot of guys and play a lot of guys," Hogan said.

SLU went 14-41 last season but split two games with Southeast, losing 7-4 in Cape Girardeau and winning 6-4 in St. Louis. This year, the Billikens have split two games at Western Kentucky and were swept in two games at Creighton.

"We usually have competitive games with them," Hogan said.