Box Score Game 1: USI 9, SJC  5 Box Score Game 2: SJC 1, USI 0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana baseball team split a doubleheader with Saint Joseph's College, but lost the series Sunday afternoon at the USI Baseball Field. USI won the opener, 9-5, but lost the nightcap, 1-0.

The Screaming Eagles go to 14-8 overall and 5-5 in the GLVC, while the Pumas go to 12-10, 6-6 GLVC.

In the opener, USI scored eight runs in the first three innings and held on for the 9-5 win to begin the doubleheader. USI was led for the second straight game by senior rightfielder Hunter Slade (Newburgh, Indiana), who was two-for-four with a run scored and two RBIs.

Sophomore designated hitter Chad Werry (New Harmony, Indiana) and sophomore first baseman Chad Bruce (Fountaintown, Indiana) each drove in a pair of RBIs, while sophomore third baseman Alex Thieroff (Greenfield, Indiana) and junior shortstop Kevin O'Hair (Scottsdale, Arizona) had a pair of hits and scored a pair of runs each. Bruce highlighted the USI's two-run third with a two-RBI triple to leftfield.

On the mound, senior right-handers Adam Vetter (Crown Point, Indiana) and Aaron Clark (Madisonville, Kentucky) combined for the victory. Vetter (4-0) got the win by going the first four innings, allowing five hits, five runs (four earned) and struck out four.

Clark recorded his second save of the season, pitching three innings after relieving Vetter in the fifth. Clark allowed just one hit and one walk to earn the save.

In the nightcap, the Pumas made a run in the bottom of the sixth stand up for the 1-0 victory. The Eagles made an attempt to overtake the Pumas in the eighth, only to have the rally stall.

USI had the first two hitters – junior leftfielder Bryan Rudden (Crystal Lake, Illinois) and junior centerfielder Michael Beaven (Indianapolis, Indiana) – reach base to start the eighth. The rally began to stall when junior second baseman Darin Mastroianni (Huntersville, North Carolina) was called out for interference at first base when trying to reach on a bunt.

The inning concluded when Werry flew into a double play with Rudden being called out for leaving third base before the catch.

The loss spoiled a splendid pitching performance by junior left-hander Cory Julian (Lynnville, Indiana). Julian went the distance for the Eagles, allowing the one run and four hits in eight innings. He also struck out season-high seven batters.

USI resumes action Wednesday when it travels to the University of Missouri-Rolla for a noon doubleheader.