#4 Southern Illinois (28-28, 10-10) vs. #8 Missouri State (20-33, 6-15)
- 12:30 p.m. (Hoelsher, SIU vs. Meade, MSU)
In the second elimination game of the day, we’ll see a rematch of two teams that played last weekend. A quick turnaround for the Bears who played the late game on Tuesday night to play at 12:30 P.M. today. Kevin Medrano went 3-4 with a home run in the loss. Southern Illinois gave up big innings to Evansville in their loss yesterday. A four-run fifth and a five-run ninth were too much to bounce back from.
Season Series: The Salukis took two of three against the Bears in Springfield last weekend. In game two of the series, designate hitter Tyler Bullock for SIU knocked in five while going 3-4. A solo home run in the seventh inning put the Salukis ahead for good. A five-run fifth innings was not enough for the Bears.
#2 Illinois State (28-22, 15-6) vs. #3 Indiana State (34-17, 10-10)
- 4:00 p.m. (Camp, ISU vs. Rodriguez, ISU)
The Sycamores battled back from an early 5-1 deficit to defeat the Jays 8-7 in 10 innings. Started Jacob Petricka was roughed up early but settled down to go throw 8 innings. Corey Maines and Ryan Copeland for Illinois State combined to shutout Bradley on the opening day. Maines went seven, scattering five hits before Copeland pitched a two-inning save.
Season Series: These two teams opened Valley play against each other nearly two months ago. The Redbirds took two out of three winning the first two games. In game two, The Sycamores jumped out to a 5-1 lead after two innings after getting to starter Ryan Camp early. After his exit Jim Sagewich kept the Redbirds back in the game. Sycamore starter Joe Rodriguez gave up six runs over eight innings but their bullpen could not preserve the win.
#1 Wichita State (39-18, 15-6) vs. #5 Evansville (31-25, 10-11)
- 7:30 p.m. (Kelley, WSU vs. Johns, EU)
Valley Pitcher of the Year Jordan Cooper saved the Wichita State bullpen for at least a day. Cooper had a complete game against Missouri State allowing two runs on eight hits. Bret Bascue homered for the Shockers advancing in the winners bracket. The Purple Aces used a 5-run ninth inning to break open a close ballgame. Cody Fick had a pair of home runs and Greg Wallace had a pair of triples.
Season Series: Evansville won the first game in Indiana before the road Shockers won the final two. In game two of the series, Kevin Hall gave the Shockers a 9-7 lead. Evansville battled back earlier in the game trailing 8-4 and cut it to 8-7. Will Baez and Preston Spriger contributed home runs in this contest.
