Southern Illinois University defeated Valparaiso 6-4 on May 14 in the opening game of their baseball series at Itchy Jones Stadium. The Salukis relied on strong relief pitching from Dylan Petrey and consistent offensive production to secure the win.
The game is notable for Southern Illinois scoring six runs without recording an extra-base hit, demonstrating effective situational hitting. Cecil Lofton drove in the first run with a single, followed by an RBI fielder’s choice from Tim Simay. Andrew Evans started on the mound for Southern Illinois, allowing just three singles over three innings.
Jacob McKenzie scored on an error in the third inning, and Gabe Petrucelli extended the lead with a single down the right-field line. After Valparaiso narrowed the gap to two runs in the fourth inning, Kye Watson responded with his first RBI single of the night for Southern Illinois. Petrey worked out of trouble in both the fourth and fifth innings before delivering scoreless sixth and seventh frames. His performance lowered his Missouri Valley Conference earned run average to 2.31 after pitching 3.2 shutout innings.
Watson added another RBI single in the eighth inning to provide insurance for Southern Illinois, making it a four-run lead at that point. Meade Johnson entered during a tense ninth inning as Valparaiso brought home two runs and put runners on base, but he struck out two consecutive batters to end the game and earn his third save of the season.
Petrey was credited with his third win of this season while Johnson picked up his third save. The Salukis will attempt to clinch the series against Valparaiso Friday night at Itchy Jones Stadium.
Itchy Jones Stadium features artificial turf and a modern video board for fans attending games hosted by Southern Illinois University’s baseball program, according to the official website. The Salukis compete at NCAA Division I level within Missouri Valley Conference play and have made five College World Series appearances along with fourteen NCAA Tournament berths under legendary coaches such as Richard ‘Itchy’ Jones whose number has been retired by SIU, according to information from the official website.
