Valparaiso University defeated Southern Illinois University on May 15, evening the final regular season baseball series at one game each. The Beacons recorded 20 hits, including six from Louie Kegerreis, in a game that saw them break through late to secure the win.
The matchup was significant as it determined momentum heading into Saturday’s Senior Day and marked the last regular season meeting between the teams. Both sides looked to set a positive tone for their programs and fans.
Southern Illinois took an early lead after RBI hits from Kye Watson and Tim Simay in the first inning, followed by Gabe Petrucelli’s sacrifice fly. Troy Shepard pitched three innings for SIU, allowing just one unearned run before handing off to Blake Kimball. Despite Valpo’s persistent offense, Kimball limited them to one run across three innings.
Watson drove in another run in the fifth inning for SIU, but Valpo responded with four runs in the seventh inning—scoring their first six runs on singles alone. Kegerreis led off the eighth with a double, his team’s first extra-base hit of the night. Alec Ammerman held Valpo scoreless that frame, but Southern Illinois could not generate offense against Connor Lockwood and Valpo’s defense. “Kegerreis’ sixth hit and two-run double in the ninth all but iced the game,” according to team reports.
Valparaiso finished with 20 hits—the most given up by SIU this season—and closed out victory as Lockwood completed his fourth complete game of the year. Ryan Halamicek took the loss for Southern Illinois.
The Salukis will attempt to bounce back during Saturday’s rubber match on Senior Day. The program has appeared five times in the College World Series and promotes community engagement through its role at Southern Illinois University athletics, according to the official website. Itchy Jones Stadium hosts home games featuring artificial turf and a modern video board; legendary coach Itchy Jones’ uniform number has been retired by SIU.
