Sizzling Redhawks win, improve to 5-0

The Southeast Missouri State baseball team continued its hot start to the season by avenging a stunning loss from last year.

Mid-Continent, an NAIA program from Mayfield, Ky., upset the Redhawks 10-9 a year ago in Cape Girardeau.

The Cougars paid another visit to Capaha Field on a chilly Wednesday afternoon -- and this time Southeast rolled 9-1 in front of an announced 195 fans who witnessed the second leg of the Redhawks' nine-game homestand.

Southeast improved to 5-0 for the first time since 1995. The Cougars fell to 3-6.

"I told these guys, you can't take anybody lightly. We had to approach it as a big game for us," first-year interim Southeast coach Steve Bieser said. "I'm very pleased with our record, but whether we're 5-0 or 0-5, the biggest thing is how we're playing. We're playing good baseball."

Things could not have started much better for Southeast in the opening inning -- specifically for right fielder Clayton Evans.

The true freshman, off to a strong start in his collegiate career, recorded a highlight-reel defensive play in the top of the first when he dove to his right to rob Richard Arias of what looked like at least a sure double.

Southeast pitcher Hank Williams Jr. throws a strike during the Redhawks’ 9-1 win Wednesday. (ADAM VOGLER)

"I figured why not lay out for my pitcher," Evans said with a smile.

Evans then delivered a two-RBI double to highlight Southeast's three-run bottom of the first. All the runs were unearned after a two-out error that kept the inning alive.

Evans, who has started every game in right field this year, went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and he made another diving catch in the fifth inning.

Southeast Missouri State pitcher Josh Meade throws a strike to Mid-Continent University's Richard Arias during the Redhawks' 9-1 win over the Cougars Wednesday, Feb. 20. (ADAM VOGLER)

"He made two fantastic plays and he's hitting the ball well. I've been really pleased," Bieser said.

Evans, a graduate of Rockwood Summit High School in suburban St. Louis, is batting a team-high .563 (9 for 16). He leads the squad with four doubles and is tied for second with six RBIs.

"I'm not surprised. I knew I could do this. I'm just glad I got the chance," said Evans, who is more excited about the team success. "It's really great. I came down here to win and that's what we're doing."

The Redhawks scored four more unearned runs in the second inning thanks to a key error, after which Southeast again made the Cougars pay.

Junior first baseman Matt Tellor delivered a two-RBI single in the frame. Sophomore third baseman Andy Lennington added an RBI double and junior left fielder Derek Gibson had an RBI single.

Tellor made his Southeast debut. The touted transfer from Lindenwood University was ruled eligible by the NCAA on Tuesday after Southeast had been under the assumption he would be eligible all along.

"It's a frustrating process. I just had to be patient," Tellor said. "It's definitely exciting. It's good to be back with the team."

Bieser put Tellor right in Wednesday's lineup. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound switch-hitter, last summer's Prospect League player of the year and co-top prospect, went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

"It's great to have him out there," Bieser said. "He took some good at-bats but you can also see there's some rust."

Southeast, after building the quick 7-0 lead, added its only two earned runs in the fourth inning but were held scoreless the final four frames. The Cougars scored their lone run in the sixth. It was unearned thanks to Southeast's only two errors of the day.

"I really liked the way we started. The early part of the game I thought we were really locked in. The guys had a lot of energy," Bieser said.

The Redhawks had 12 hits. Junior center fielder Steve Bieser went 3 for 4 for the second straight day. He scored three runs and stole two bases.

Gibson went 2 for 3. Lennington drove in two runs and scored twice.

The Redhawks, after using three pitchers during Tuesday's 12-1 rout of NAIA Harris-Stowe, used five more hurlers Wednesday. They combined on a three-hitter -- all three hits were by Hunter Bolden -- with four strikeouts and one walk.

Junior Hank Williams Jr., made a triumphant return to the mound after pitching just 5 1/3 innings last year before missing the rest of the season due to labrum surgery.

Williams, Wednesday's starter, earned his first collegiate victory. He went four shutout innings, allowing just one hit. He retired the first 10 batters he faced, receiving stellar defense not only from Evans but also Gibson, who made a diving catch in the fourth inning.

"It's been about a year coming up soon [since the surgery]," said Williams, who struck out one and did not issue a walk. "I felt good."

Senior left-hander Ryan Kendall allowed one hit and an unearned run in two innings. He struck out one and walked one.

Senior Trevor Kill, sophomore Jason Blum and senior Michael Patman all worked one inning. Kill and Patman hurled hitless frames, with one strikeout each, while Blum allowed one hit.

Blum, the Redhawks' second baseman, made his Southeast pitching debut.

"I was happy to see Hank get a chance. It's been a year for him," Bieser said. "All the others did a good job. It was good to get Blum's feet wet."

Southeast continues its homestand this weekend when North Dakota State (1-2) visits for a three-game series. Starting times are 3 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

The Redhawks figure to receive their stiffest test of the young season to date from the Bison, the preseason Summit League favorites who went 40-20 last year to set a school record for wins.

"Without a doubt it will be our toughest challenge so far," Bieser said.