Box Score Game 1: USI 9, OCU 4
Box Score Game 2: USI 15, OCU 4

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana baseball team started the 2007 season with a doubleheader sweep of Oakland City University Thursday afternoon at the USI Baseball Field. USI took game one, 9-4, and the nightcap, 15-4.

USI junior right-hander Jeremy Kehrt (Plainfield, Indiana) led the way the Screaming Eagles in game one. Kehrt went six innings to get the victory, allowing six hits and four runs, two earned, along the way. He also struck out a career-high 10 OCU batters.

At the plate, sophomore designated hitter Chad Werry (New Harmony, Indiana) launched USI's first home run of the season and went two-for-four with three runs scored and two RBIs. Senior rightfielder Hunter Slade (Newburgh, Indiana) was a perfect three-for-three with a pair of RBIs, while junior catcher Garrett Oros (Aurora, Illinois) was two-for-three and drove in three runs.

In the second game, USI pounded out 17 hits and scored 15 runs to defeat Oakland City. The Eagles scored 10 runs in the first four innings to put the game away.

Senior right-hander Adam Vetter (Crown Point, Indiana) picked up the win, pitching six of the nine innings. He allowed two runs and four hits while striking out two.

USI junior leftfielder Bryan Rudden (Crystal Lake, Illinois) led the offensive attack with a three-for-six performance, reaching on a pair of doubles. He also scored twice and drove in a run.

The Eagles flew around the base paths, swiping 10 bases in the two games. Junior centerfielder Michael Beaven (Indianapolis, Indiana) led the way with three stolen bases in game one, while junior second baseman Darin Mastroianni (Huntersville, North Carolina) swiped a pair in the nightcap.

USI goes on the road this weekend when it travels to Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, for a four-game series Saturday and Sunday. The next home game is February 28, when Oakland City returns to the USI Baseball Field for a single game.