Great Lake Canadians grad C Max Wright singled in Indiana State’s three-run first

May 14, 2021

Sycamores Score Late to Take Series Opener Over Southern Illinois

By Tim McCaughan

Indiana State Athletics

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Indiana State Sycamores secured its ninth series-opening victory of the season Friday after taking the opener from the Southern Illinois Salukis 5-4 at Bob Warn Field.

The Sycamores moved to 25-12 overall and 12-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference while the Salukis fell to 33-16 and 10-11 in League action.

Left-hander Geremy Guerrero pitched a solid seven innings in the start but came away with the no-decision as the Salukis scored three runs late to erase a 4-1 deficit. SIU scored a run in the seventh and led off the eighth with a base hit which signaled the end of the day for Guerrero.

ISU looked to clear the bases with a double play, but after a challenge by the Salukis, the runner at second was called safe. SIU would get one run in on a fielder’s choice a batter later before Philip Archer doubled in the tying run.

Jordan Schaffer would kickstart the offense in the bottom of the eighth with a leadoff single before swiping his team-leading 11th stolen base to move into scoring position. Outfielder Aaron Beck then picked up his lone hit of the day to bring in Schaffer with a one-hop single to right field.

The Sycamores put up a crooked number in the first inning as the team loaded the bases on a hit by pitch, a one-out single to right by Max Wright and a fielder’s choice.

Josue Urdaneta drew a walk to score Wright (Toronto, Ont.). Designated hitter Mitch Barrow collected his fifth base hit of the season with a two-RBI single to right field. Wright sits second among Sycamore hitters with a .303 average, seven doubles, 10 homers and 26 RBIs. He has a 1.033 OPS in 37 games.

Fenlong would pick up the win in relief, moving to 4-0 on the season. The right-hander pitched two innings and allowed one hit while retiring one Saluki on a punchout. Guerrero struck out seven and allowed seven base hits in his outing.

Schaffer led the team on a 2-for-3 day at the plate, including a hit-by-pitch. Barrow drew a walk and drove in two runs.