Southeast Missouri State baseball team's offense provides ample support for LaBruyere

Two days of rest proved plenty for right-hander Brad LaBruyere.

The senior allowed two runs over five innings to pick up the win in Southeast Missouri State's 10-3 nonconference victory over Central Arkansas on Wednesday at Capaha Field. It was the Redhawks' third consecutive victory.

LaBruyere only lasted three innings in Sunday's lopsided win over Ball State. He threw 35 pitches in that game, but he said it had no effect on him Wednesday.

"My arm felt good," he said. "I didn't really throw that many pitches the other day. Today I had a pretty good feel for all my pitches. I got in a good groove and felt pretty comfortable."

LaBruyere tossed 85 pitches over five innings Wednesday. He struck out four and walked two.

Southeast Missouri State's Brett Russell doubles during the third inning Wednesday.

"I guess my curveball was better today than it has been," he said. "I guess I kind of resorted to that a lot more than I have been. Mainly just my fastball and my changeup was working pretty good for me. All my pitches had pretty good movement."

LaBruyere credited his work with pitching coach Steve Bieser for helping him get more movement on his curveball, which has baffled hitters since his high school days at Central.

"I think I just found a better release point," LaBruyere said. "I changed some things up from the last time. I feel more comfortable with the slot it's in now and how I throw it."

The Redhawks (7-2) wasted no time giving their starter some support. Louie Haseltine ripped a ball to center field that got past Central Arkansas' Jonathan Davis, who dived for it but came up short. Haseltine trotted into second while Cole Bieser and Brett Russell scored for the early lead.

Michael Adamson delivered a two-out single to plate a run in the second, and Blake Slattery came through with a two-out hit to score a run in the third.

Southeast Missouri State's Brett Russell rounds third base during the third inning Wednesday.

"We want to get out to an early lead," Slattery said. "It gives the pitchers confidence and our defense confidence. We kind of want to keep scoring every inning."

The Bears (6-2) got to LaBruyere in the fourth inning. He struck out Doug Votolato to start the frame but then allowed a pair of singles. He walked Ethan Harris before Travis Snider laced a two-run single to right field. But LaBruyere settled down and retired Snider on a fielder's choice before getting Greg Noble to ground out to second to end the inning.

The Redhawks offense instantly picked up LaBruyere. Casey Jones doubled home Adamson before Russell smacked a two-run homer over the right-field fence.

"It was a 3-2 count and I was looking fastball with a guy on," Russell said. "Luckily he took a little bit off and I got my hips through and ended up barreling up."

LaBruyere appreciated the pick-me-up.

"I know they weren't going to be stuck at four for too long," he said about the Southeast offense. "It's just a matter of time before they score more. I was kind of mad at myself at the time, but it's not a big deal really."

LaBruyere worked a perfect fifth inning to complete his day. He lowered his season ERA to 5.40 after Wednesday's outing.

"I thought it was a great confidence boost for him today," said Southeast assistant coach Chris Cafalone, who filled in for an ill Mark Hogan. "I know he struggled a little bit on Sunday. But for him to come out on two days rest and to go five innings, 85 pitches, and to keep a good ballclub down to two runs, that's excellent on his part. I thought he pitched well."

The Redhawks tacked on some insurance in the seventh on a Taylor Heon single, then Kody Campbell belted a double to right-center field to plate two more runs in the eighth.

The Southeast offense has been on a tear in the early going, averaging 7.8 runs per game this season. It collected 14 hits, including seven for extra bases, in Wednesday's win.

"If we keep working the pitch count, keep working deep in the count, our hitters are so great with two strikes," said Russell, who cracked a pair of doubles to go with his homer. "Just working it and able to fight pitches off and earn those walks and base hits."

It was a good day for local products. LaBruyere earned the win on the mound while Slattery, another Central graduate, added two hits. Oran's Campbell knocked in two and Advance's Trenton Moses scored a run after singling.

"It's always nice when the hometown guys come through for us," LaBruyere said. "There's a lot of people come out here to watch the hometown guys and we like to give them a good show."

The Redhawks return to action Friday when they open a three-game series at Troy University of the Sun Belt Conference.