Southern Illinois sweeps Southeast

Southern Illinois, ranked 24th in the latest ESPN.com/USA Softball college rankings, swept a doubleheader from Southeast Missouri State on Wednesday in Cape Girardeau. But it wasn't easy.

After Southern Illinois (30-8) scored three runs in the first inning of the opening game en route to a 4-1 victory, the Salukis scratched for a single run to win 1-0 in the nightcap.

Kelly Birk suffered the loss in the opening game, allowing four hits and four walks to add up to four runs in three-plus innings.

SIU pitcher Cassidy Scroggins drove in two runs at the plate and surrendered just one run on two hits.

Michelle Summers drove in Southeast's run with a double in the third inning that scored Charlene Ramirez, who the Redhawks' only other hit.

In the nightcap, Southeast (16-15) was limited to three hits by Ashley Hamby, who allowed a hit and two walks before finishing the first inning, and Amy Harre, who pitched 6 1/3 innings with two hits and no walks.

Their performance spoiled Amy Fahnestock's pitching effort. Fahnestock scattered nine hits and two walks, allowing just one run.