JONESBORO, Ark. (4-2-2008) ? The Southern Illinois Salukis (14-11) broke a scoreless tie with seven runs in the fourth inning and went on to defeat the Arkansas State Indians 10-3 Wednesday night at Tomlinson Stadium and Kell Field.
The game was the first between the two programs since the 1996 season and the Saluki victory snapped a four-game ASU win streak in the series.
The Salukis broke a scoreless tie in the fourth by pounding out eight hits that resulted in the seven runs. Southern Illinois used an RBI single from center fielder Chris Murphy, RBI doubles from third baseman Tyler Lairson and designated hitter Dean Cademartori, and a three-run triple from right fielder Aaron Roberts to do the damage.
Arkansas State (14-15) answered with a two-run double from freshman designated hitter Murray Watts in the bottom of the fourth to dent the Saluki lead at 7-2, but Southern Illinois picked up a run in the sixth on an Indian error to stretch its lead to 8-2.
Junior catcher Lawson Hipps provided the final Indian run when he singled in the eighth and eventually scored on a passed ball, and Southern Illinois scored twice in the ninth to set the final at 10-3.
Junior Jett Jones (1-5) took the loss on the mound for the Indians, surrendering seven runs on nine hits. Jones recorded three strikeouts and no walks in three innings pitched. Andrew Dunn (2-4) earned the win for Southern Illinois, giving up two runs on five hits in five innings of work. Dunn struck out three Indians and walked one.
Hipps, Watts and junior center fielder Derrick Coleman led Arkansas State at the plate with two hits each, with Watts driving in two runs. Roberts led Southern Illinois with three hits and four RBI's.
The Indians return to Sun Belt Conference play Friday when they open a three-game series at Troy. Friday's game is scheduled to get underway at 6 p.m.
