Southeast Missouri State baseball team loses on ninth-inning grand slam

The Southeast Missouri State baseball team has suffered some tough losses this season.

None compare to what transpired Sunday afternoon at Capaha Field. But Southeast coach Mark Hogan took it in stride after a well-played contest that capped off a tight three-game weekend series.

Jake Hibberd's two-out grand slam in the top of the ninth inning lifted Wright State to a 5-3 victory as the Raiders took the deciding contest in the three-game series.

The defending Horizon League champions, from Dayton, Ohio, also rallied late to claim Friday's opener 6-5. Southeast won Saturday 5-1.

"I told our guys after the game I'm just not going to hold on to it because I thought we played as well as we can," Hogan said. "It was an outstanding game and an outstanding series. You have to give them credit."

Southeast Missouri State coach Mark Hogan makes a point with umpire Darryl Myers during the fifth inning Sunday at Capaha Field. Hogan contested a call on Southeast base runner Casey Jones (bottom photos), who was thrown out at home when he tried to score from first on a double. (Fred Lynch)

Southeast fell to 11-9. Three of the defeats have been by one run and three more have been by two runs. Southeast also has won three games decided by two runs or less.

"We've been in every game we've played," junior Trenton Moses said. "We just have to keep battling. I'm confident we'll eventually pull these games out."

Southeast led 3-1 entering the ninth inning Sunday as sophomore closer Shae Simmons, from Scott City, took the mound.

Sam Picchiotti led off with a double to deep right field as senior Louie Haseltine barely missed making a spectacular catch, the ball glancing off his glove.

Dan Marsh walked and Justin Kopale sacrificed, putting runners on second and third with one out.

Southeast Missouri State's Casey Jones begins his slide into home plate as Wright State catcher Corey Davis prepares to catch the throw in the fifth inning Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Capaha Field. Jones was called out at the plate on a controversial play. (Fred Lynch)

Simmons retired Ryan Ashe on a soft liner to short for the second out.

Corey Davis walked to load the bases after a 10-pitch at-bat that saw him foul off five offerings from Simmons.

"That was the key at-bat, fouling off pitch after pitch," Hogan said. "You have to give him a lot of credit."

Simmons fell behind Hibberd with two straight balls but worked the count full.

Hibberd, an all-conference junior first baseman, ripped the next pitch well beyond the right-center field fence.

Southeast Missouri State starting pitcher Brad LaBruyere throws to a Wright State batter during the first inning Sunday at Capaha Field. LaBruyere allowed one run in six innings.

"Corey had the good at-bat, and I noticed [Simmons] was throwing a lot of fastballs," said Hibberd, a left-handed hitter. "That's what I was looking for. I got a pitch to hit."

Simmons (0-3), a freshman All-American last year, has struggled in recent outings.

"I thought he had good stuff. He challenged guys, which is what you're supposed to do," Hogan said.

The ninth inning spoiled what had been a good day for Southeast pitchers.

Senior Brad LaBruyere, a Central High School graduate, continued to shine during his first season in the starting rotation.

Southeast Missouri State's Casey Jones slides into home plate as Wright State catcher Corey Davis covers in the fifth inning Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Capaha Field. Jones was called out at the plate on a controversial play. (Fred Lynch)

LaBruyere allowed eight hits and one run in six innings. He struck out four and walked one as he lowered his ERA to 3.00 to go along with a 2-0 record.

"He pitched outstanding," Hogan said.

Freshman left-hander Christian Hull allowed a leadoff infield single in the seventh inning but retired the next two batters.

Senior Corey Harness recorded the final out in the seventh. He has not allowed a run in 6 2/3 innings this year.

Senior lefty Logan Mahon worked a perfect eighth inning, striking out two, as he continued his exceptional work after converting from primarily a starter last year to strictly relief so far. He lowered his ERA to 1.64.

Southeast Missouri State's Casey Jones slides into home plate as Wright State catcher Corey Davis covers in the fifth inning Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Capaha Field. Jones was called out at the plate on a controversial play. (Fred Lynch)

"They all pitched well," Hogan said.

Southeast broke a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning. Junior Jesse Tierney singled, junior Taylor Heon doubled and senior Tim Rupp delivered a one-out sacrifice fly.

Moses drilled a one-out home run to right field in the fifth inning, making it 3-1. It was Moses' second homer of the year.

The Redhawks missed a chance to do more damage in the fifth inning as senior Casey Jones was gunned down trying to score from first base on a two-out double by Tierney.

It was a bang-bang play that brought Hogan out of the dugout to argue vehemently.

WSU's bullpen held Southeast off the board the final four innings, setting the stage for the late rally.

"We played a great game overall today. Unfortunately we just couldn't get it done," Moses said. "The other team battled. They just did a great job. You have to give them credit."

Southeast still had a shot in the bottom of the ninth as junior Kenton Parmley led off with a triple and Moses was hit by a pitch with one out. But a double play ended the contest.

"It was a tough series. I was really proud of our guys," WSU coach Rob Cooper said. "But I told their players and their coach I really think they're going to win their league."

Southeast, which was outhit 11-10, got two hits apiece from Moses, Parmley, Tierney and Heon. Parmley had a double in addition to his triple.

Hibberd led the Raiders with three hits. He doubled in addition to his home run.

Southeast continues an eight-game homestand when Saint Louis University visits at 5 p.m. Tuesday.