SOUTHEAST LEFT STRANDED IN OPENER WITH EIU

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- The Southeast Missouri State University Indians fell 6-4 Saturday in the opening game of an important three-game series with Ohio Valley Conference opponent Eastern Illinois.

Southeast threatened to score several times, but stranded 12 runners in the nine-inning contest. The Indians fell to 14-11 and 5-5 in the OVC. Eastern Illinois improved to 14-6 and 5-1. The two teams will play a doubleheader today.

Southeast starter Jason Swearingen (4-2) went the distance on the mound, but allowed three home runs in the loss. Swearingen allowed seven hits, one walk and struck out four.

Cape Central graduate Robert Kern had two of the Indians' six hits. Southeast led 3-2 before EIU scored four runs in the fifth to take the lead for good 6-3.

Brian Prina (4-2) pitched into the eighth inning for the win. Bobby Castelli got the final five outs for the Panthers to earn the save.