Box Score: Evansville 6, USI 2

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana baseball team could not overcome two errors in the first and second innings in dropping a 6-2 decision to the University of Evansville in the third annual "Battle of the Braun." USI falls 18-29 overall, while Evansville goes to 25-18.

The Aces jumped out to a 5-0 lead by scoring twice in the first inning and three more in the second. The rally in the first was ignited on a throwing error by Screaming Ealges' sophomore third baseman Sam Shahine (W. Lafayette, Indiana), while the rally in the second was put in motion by a throwing error by senior catcher Jed Davis (Grayville, Illinois). Only two of the five runs were charged to starting junior right-hander Aaron Clark (Madisonville, Kentucky).

The Eagles got on the board in the third inning. USI freshman centerfielder Chad Werry (New Harmony, Indiana) singled home Shahine after the Eagles had loaded the bases with one out.

Evansville got the run back in the bottom half of the third on a RBI double by shortstop Robbie Minor, scoring third baseman Kirk Bacsu.

USI would cut into the Evansville lead one last time in the fourth inning. The Eagles loaded the bases for the second consecutive inning, but were only able to score single tally. Senior first baseman Chis Turner (W. Lafayette, Indiana) scored on a RBI single by sophomore second baseman Darin Mastroianni (Huntersville, North Carolina).

On the mound, Clark (3-4) took the loss after going the first two innings. He gave up six hits and five runs (two earned), while striking out one.

Junior left-hander Brent Wendholt (St. Anthony, Indiana) followed Clark to the mound and pitched a very effective six innings. Wendholt allowed four hits and one run, while striking out two Aces.

The Eagles will conclude the 2006 campaign this weekend when they play a GLVC four-game series against Saint Joseph's College at the USI Baseball Field. The first pitch Saturday and Sunday is noon each day. The Eagles will have Senior Day Sunday and will honor the five seniors – Davis, Turner, senior left-hander Nathan Arnold (Evansville, Indiana), senior right-hander Dustin Jourdan (Evansville, Indiana), and senior right-hander Mike Watson (Madison, Indiana) – prior to the doubleheader.