The Southern Illinois Salukis baseball team lost to the SIUE Cougars 9-7 on May 12 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale. A series of runs by the Cougars during the middle innings proved decisive in the non-conference matchup.
The game began with a strong showing from Southern Illinois, as Kristian Sprawling hit one of his three doubles to lead off and later scored on a single from Julio Guerrero. Cecil Lofton added another run with a sacrifice fly. After SIUE responded with a run in the second inning, Jacob McKenzie extended Southern’s lead by hitting his fourth home run of the season in the third inning.
However, SIUE dominated innings four through seven, outscoring Southern Illinois 7-0 and shifting momentum. Joshua Heyder led for SIUE offensively, going three-for-three with a home run within five innings. Kye Watson’s sacrifice fly brought hope for the Salukis in the seventh, but an additional Cougars run left them trailing by four entering their final at-bat.
Sprawling’s third double drove in another run for Southern Illinois during a late rally attempt. Michael Mylott added an RBI single before Brennen Grams came in as relief pitcher for SIUE and ended the game on a fielder’s choice against McKenzie. Sprawling finished with three hits—all doubles—and scored each time he reached base. Dawson Hargrove took the loss for Southern.
Itchy Jones Stadium is home to modern features such as artificial turf and a video board designed to enhance both player experience and fan engagement, according to the official website. The stadium honors legendary coach Richard ‘Itchy’ Jones, whose number was retired after leading Southern Illinois to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and College World Series berths over his tenure. According to the official website, Southern Illinois participates in NCAA Division I within the Missouri Valley Conference and has recorded five College World Series appearances along with fourteen NCAA Tournament berths.
Looking ahead, Southern Illinois will host Valparaiso beginning Thursday, May 14 at Itchy Jones Stadium for senior weekend. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
