EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- University of Southern Indiana sophomore first baseman Matt Keener (Newburgh, Indiana) hit a grand slam in the bottom of the third inning to help the Screaming Eagles to a 10-6 victory over Indiana University-Southeast Monday afternoon at the USI Baseball Field in Evansville, Indiana. Keener hit a solo home run in his first at-bat as the Eagles improved to 8-7 on the season.

After giving up a run in the top of the first inning, the Eagles answered with three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Keener and junior designated hitter Mike Kottmeyer (Boulder, Illinois) each hit home runs to give the Eagles a 3-1 advantage.

USI tacked on five more, on the strength of Keener's grand slam, in the bottom of the third to take an 8-1 lead. IUS came back with a three runs in the fourth and another in the fifth inning before the Eagles closed the door on any hopes of a comeback with a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Freshman hurler Matt Goans (Evansville, Indiana) was credited with his first victory of the season after tossing 3 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball. Goans (1-0) gave up three hits and struck out two in the 12 batters he faced.

The Eagles will travel to Louisville, Kentucky, this Wednesday, March 19, to take on Bellarmine University in their Great Lakes Valley Conference opener. First-pitch is slated for 2 p.m.

After a stop in Oakland City, Indiana, to take on Oakland City University this Thursday, March 20 (2 p.m.), the Eagles will return home to take on the University of Indianapolis in a GLVC doubleheader.