Southeast baseball wins its first game

~ Southeast bounced back from Friday's opening loss.

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- The Southeast Missouri State baseball team bounced back from a season-opening loss to notch its first victory.

Southeast routed the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff 13-2 Saturday, one day after falling to the host Lions 4-2. Both squads are 1-1.

The Redhawks pounded out 12 hits and broke things wide open with a seven-run fifth inning. Southeast took advantage of six walks and four errors by the Lions.

Junior left-hander James Leigh notched his first Division I victory as he pitched the opening five innings. He allowed two hits and two runs (one earned), with nine strikeouts and three walks.

Leigh went 0-1 in just 17 innings last season as he battled arm problems after transferring from junior college.

Three hurlers followed Leigh and combined for four scoreless innings as they finished off a four-hitter.

True freshman Brad LaBruyere from Cape Girardeau Central High School and redshirt freshman Corey Harness both saw their first collegiate action on the mound.

Harness worked two perfect frames, with two strikeouts.

LaBruyere allowed one hit in one inning, as did junior Daniel Schuh.

Three junior college transfers sparked Southeast's offense.

Tony Spencer, playing shortstop in place of injured Nick Harris, went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and two runs batted in.

Right fielder Tyrell Cummings had a pair of two-run doubles, while third baseman Justin Wheeler had a three-run homer among his two hits. It was Southeast's first home run of the season.

Junior first baseman Matt Wagner added two hits for the Redhawks.

True freshman center fielder Blake Slattery, another Central High School product, made his first collegiate start. He went hitless but scored twice.

Southeast did not commit an error and stole five bases.

The teams conclude their three-game series at 1 p.m. today.

Harris returns home

Harris, Southeast's sophomore shortstop who suffered a knee injury in the ninth inning Friday, was scheduled to return to Cape Girardeau Saturday.

Harris will be examined by the Southeast medical staff and will likely have an MRI exam taken in the next few days.

Harris, a freshman All-American third baseman last year, was hurt as he broke from the batter's box following a ground ball. He had to be helped off the field.