Smith sets save record in 6-4 win

It is only fitting that, during Southeast Missouri State University's current four-game winning streak, Brad Smith has saved three of those victories.

Smith has been a salvation for the Indians all year. Tuesday night he recorded the final six outs and did not allow a runner to break the school's single-season saves record as Southeast beat Arkansas State 6-4.

Nearly 350 fans at Capaha Field saw the Indians improve to 22-23 with the non-conference victory. ASU's Indians, from Jonesboro, Ark., fell to 24-24.

"We're coming through now and it's good to see," said Smith of the Indians' recent strong play. "Hopefully we can keep it going."

Two other times this season Southeast has won four straight but has not been able to extend it.

Smith, a junior right-hander in his first season with the Indians after taking a medical redshirt last year, is certainly doing his part. Tuesday's save was his ninth of the season, which also moved him within one of the school's career saves record of 10.

"I guess the record is good, but the main thing is helping the team out," said Smith, who also has a 3-2 record and a 2.45 earned-run average. "And I just love to pitch."

Forsyth settles down

Smith nailed down the victory for starter Ryan Forsyth, who allowed three first-inning runs -- two on Chris Rich's eighth homer of the season -- and another tally in the third but blanked ASU the rest of the way.

Forsyth (3-2) gave up eight hits and three earned runs in seven-plus innings. He struck out three and walked one.

"Forsyth was tremendous after the first inning. He gave us everything we needed and more," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "And then what a job Smith did. He's just been great all year."

After a single and error in the top of the eighth put the first two runners on base, Smith replaced Forsyth. Two pitches later, Smith was out of the inning thanks to a forceout and a double play started by Smith. He then retired the side in order in the ninth.

Southeast matched ASU with eight hits, led by center fielder Frankie Montiel's 4-for-4 performance that featured two doubles, pushing his team-leading total to 17.

"We've got some confidence and some momentum now," Montiel said. "It's a good time to do it."

Montiel's two-run double in the fourth gave the Indians their first lead of the night at 5-4. The score stayed that way until Bo Jenkins' RBI single with two outs in the eighth gave Southeast some breathing room.

Southeast will resume Ohio Valley Conference play this weekend with its final home action of the season, a three-game set against Tennessee Tech.

The series begins with Saturday's 1 p.m. doubleheader that will feature Kohlfeld Distributing providing free beverages and Esicar's providing free brats and hot dogs.