Bears sweep aside Indians with romp

Southwest Missouri State had barely squeezed past Southeast Missouri State University in the first two games of a weekend series.

But the Bears left no doubt about their sweep as they pounded the Indians 9-3 Sunday afternoon in front of an announced crowd of 611 at Capaha Field.

SMS, which won 5-3 in 15 innings Friday and 11-9 Saturday, improved to 11-3. Southeast fell to 6-10.

"We got waxed today," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "They jumped out on us and hit the ball. They have a really nice ballclub.

"We knew they would be outstanding. They don't make many mistakes. They're just a good, solid baseball team."

Said SMS coach Keith Guttin, "It was a good weekend series for us. It's the one before the league and it's against a good opponent."

SMS and Southeast both begin play in their respective leagues this weekend. The Bears are members of the Missouri Valley Conference while the Indians compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Continuing a familiar pattern for the Indians, the Bears jumped on top with two first-inning runs Sunday and never looked back. Southeast has been outscored 28-2 in first innings this season.

Jeff Gray (1-0) gave the Bears seven strong innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. He struck out eight and walked one. David Bader struck out four and allowed one hit in two shutout innings.

Southeast starter Mark Frazier (1-4) gave up seven hits and five runs in five innings. He struck out six and walked two.

The only truly effective pitcher for the Indians was Andy Sheridan, Southeast's fourth and final hurler. He worked the last two innings, allowing two hits and no runs, with three strikeouts and one walk.

Speedy center fielder Dant'e Brinkley had three of the Bears' 12 hits as he completed a sensational series. Brinkley went 9-for-17 and scored six runs.

Greg Mathis and Matt Gardner both homered and had two hits for SMS. Gardner's second home run of the series was a two-run shot in the first inning.

Southeast catcher Tristen McDonald went 3-for-4 and homered for the second straight day as he provided the Indians' only real offensive highlight with a two-run blast in the sixth inning. That shot trimmed the Bears' lead to 6-2 but SMS came right back with three runs in the seventh to put the game away.

McDonald, who was 4-for-5 Saturday, has raised his average on the season to .400.

"I'm happy with the way I'm hitting the ball. I'm seeing the ball well and I'm in a groove. I hope to keep it going," McDonald said. "It's frustrating to lose, but I think we'll be fine by the time conference play starts."

Denver Stuckey added two of Southeast's eight hits.

The Indians will host St. Louis University at 4 p.m. Tuesday. It will be Kohlfeld Distributing Day, with free food and beverages provided.