February 28, 2022

By Michael R. Reis

Southern Illinois Athletics

Grey Epps’ bases-clearing double highlighted a five-run fifth inning that powered SIU’s 6-1 baseball team past Central Arkansas, 8-4, giving the Salukis a sweep of the three-game series with the 1-5 Bears.

Epps’ double down the left field line plated C Nick Hagedorn, 1B Jeremy Schork and DH Zack Jensen. Two hitters later SS Kaeber Rog doubled to left center field scoring Epps. Schork drove in the first run of the five-run inning when he singled in Pier-Olivier Boucher (Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Que.), who had doubled earlier in the frame.

Saluki starting pitcher Jordan Bloemer (1-0) and reliever Matthew Steidl made the five-run explosion standup. Bloemer pitched the first seven innings and allowed three earned runs on six hits while striking out a Saluki season-high 10 batters. Steidl pitched the final 2 2/3 innings, allowing no runs and two hits. Steidl struck out one batter.

SIU erased a 2-0 UCA lead by scoring three runs in the third inning. Jensen drove in the first two runs in the inning with a double. Evan Martin scored Jensen with an RBI single.

All of the Bears runs scored on home runs. LF Trey Harris hit a two-run first inning homer off of Bloemer. Bloemer exited the game after serving up a solo home run to pinch-hitter Hunter Hicks in the seventh inning, capping a seven-pitch at-bat.

While SIU did not homer for just the second time in seven games this season, the Salukis did hit six doubles. SIU scored its eight runs on nine hits while stranding eight baserunners. The Bears also stranded eight baserunners.

The Salukis’ Jensen drove in six runs and scored four runs in the three-game series. Boucher scored six runs in the series. Kaeber had five hits in the three games.

SIU plays its fourth home game in four days on Tuesday when the Salukis face Western Illinois (1-5).