Indians sweep doubleheader

Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team picked up its first home wins of the season Saturday as the Indians swept a doubleheader from Culver-Stockton at Capaha Field.

The Indians posted a hard-fought 4-3 victory in the first game and then romped 13-5 as they improved to 5-7 on the season. The Wildcats, an NAIA squad from Canton, Mo., fell to 7-8.

"It feels good to get a doubleheader sweep," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said. "Culver-Stockton has a nice club. We were fortunate to win the first game and we swung the bats better in the second game."

Denver Stuckey had a huge day for the Indians as he continued his recent hot hitting following an early-season slump.

Stuckey had four hits and drove in five runs in the two games. He particularly stood out in the second contest by going 3-for-4, with four RBIs, three runs scored and his first home run of the season to go along with two doubles.

Vern Hatton and Brian Hopkins both had three hits on the day for the Indians while Eric Hoffman delivered three RBIs.

Brandon Smith and Mark Frazier were the pitching stars for the Indians.

Smith continued his strong season as he improved to 3-0 with the first-game victory. The senior allowed six hits and two runs (one earned) over the first five innings, with five strikeouts and three walks.

Frazier earned a save in the opener with two innings of one-run, one-hit relief as he fanned three and walked one.

Frazier (1-3) then notched the win in the second game with three innings of one-run, one-hit relief. He fanned one and walked two.

Starter Ryan Cheo struggled in the second game, allowing six hits and four runs in two innings.

Andy Davidson and Brent Self each pitched a scoreless inning in the second game.

The hitting stars on the day for the Wildcats were Jaime Ornelas and Miguel Gallardo, who each had four hits. Joe Flick had three hits, including a first-game homer.