Southeast Missouri State baseball team to host IPFW for weekend series

The Southeast Missouri State baseball team will look to build on its first win of the season as the Redhawks continue their 11-game homestand this weekend.

IPFW from Fort Wayne, Ind., visits Capaha Field for a three-game series beginning with today's 3 p.m. first pitch. The squads also will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"It should be a good series. We're looking forward to playing them," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said.

Southeast improved to 1-3 with Tuesday's 8-6 victory over NAIA Harris-Stowe in the Redhawks' home opener.

All-American senior third baseman Trenton Moses delivered the big blow, a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning that snapped a 5-5 tie.

"It feels so much better," Moses said about Southeast's victory that came after the Redhawks dropped three tight games at 2011 Super Regional qualifier Dallas Baptist last weekend. "It takes some of the pressure off us going into this next series."

IPFW is 1-2, losing two of three at Alabama A&M last weekend. The Mastodons, who were outscored 18-13, hit just .191 in the series but compiled a 2.25 ERA.

The Mastodons went 17-34 a year ago, including 12-16 in the Summit League. They are picked to finish last in the seven-team conference this season.

IPFW, like Southeast, graduated many of its key players. The Mastodons returned only two position starters and two pitchers.

Southeast last played the Mastodons in 2010, sweeping a three-game series in Cape Girardeau. Two of the contests were decided by one run.

"Right now we just need to play as many games as we can," Hogan said. "Series are usually good this early. You always have the unknown factor when teams haven't played very many games yet."

Moses nominated

Moses has been chosen as one of 30 nominees for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. The final recipient of the award will be announced at the NCAA College World Series in June.

The award, which stands for "Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School," focuses on the complete student-athlete on and off the field. Each candidate was chosen based on four criteria: classroom, character, community, and competition.

The 30 candidates will be narrowed down to 10 halfway through the regular season. Those final 10 will then be placed on the official ballot, which will be distributed to media, coaches, and fans nationwide.