SE HOPES TO BOLSTER MARK AGAINST UTM IN WEEKEND SERIES

On the surface, it would appear that the worst part of Southeast Missouri State University's Ohio Valley Conference baseball schedule is behind the Indians.

But Southeast coach Mark Hogan knows better than to think any OVC foe is a pushover.

That's why he's expecting quite a battle this weekend when Tennessee-Martin visits Capaha Field for a big three-game series.

The squads will have a 4 p.m. doubleheader today and a 2 p.m. single game Sunday.

"The way the league is this year, I don't think there's a whole lot of difference between many of the teams," said Hogan. "It's true that we've played quite a few of the teams toward the top of the standings, but everybody is dangerous."

Southeast, 17-21 overall, is 6-5 in OVC play, good for fifth place in the nine-team league.

Tennessee-Martin, 13-28 overall, is tied for last place in the OVC at 3-9.

But, with quite a few conference games still left to play, just about everything is still very much up for grabs. The top six teams in the final standings qualify for the postseason tournament.

"We're still very much in the running for the top and Tennessee-Martin is still very much alive to make the tournament," Hogan said. "Everything is pretty much up for grabs."

Austin Peay (8-3) and Eastern Illinois (10-5) are virtually tied for first in the OVC standings, with the Governors leading by percentage points.

Murray State (9-6) and Eastern Kentucky (9-6) are tied for third while Southeast is fifth and Middle Tennessee (6-6) sixth.

Tennessee Tech (5-10) is seventh, with Tennessee-Martin and Morehead State (3-9) tie for last.

The Indians have already played Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee, meaning three of their four remaining OVC series are against the bottom three teams in the standings.

But, as Hogan said earlier, that might not mean a whole lot.

"On paper, you'd think we've got a favorable schedule the rest of the way," he said. "But you've got to do it on the field. And the way the league has been so far, I don't know if it means that much."

* Special events surrounding the weekend series are planned for both today and Sunday.

Today's doubleheader will be River Eagle Distributing day, with free beverages provided.

Sunday's game will feature the Spring Fun Fair during Family Day at Capaha Park.

The event, which is sponsored by the Southeast athletic department, is open to all elementary and pre-school age children and their families. There will be free food, drinks and games beginning at 1 p.m.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., the children can pick their favorite Southeast player and join him on the field for the national anthem. After the game, Indian players and coaches will be available for autographs and children will be allowed to run the bases.