BOXSCORE GAME 1: MWSU 9, USI 6
BOX SCORE GAME 2: MWSU 4, USI 3

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — The 23rd -ranked University of Southern Indiana baseball team dropped a neutral site doubleheader to Missouri Western State University Saturday afternoon in Russellville, Arkansas. MWSU won game one, 9-6, and took game two, 4-3.

The Screaming Eagles fall to 3-3 overall in 2009-10, while the Griffons goes to 2-0.

In the opener, MSWU jumped out to a 7-2 lead after two innings when USI rallied to cut the margin to 7-6 with a four run fourth. The Griffons rallied back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth for the 9-6 lead.

The four-run Eagle fourth inning was led by the three-run home run of sophomore second baseman Brad Vance (Louisville, Kentucky). The home run was Vance's first of the season.

In the nightcap, USI's comeback attempt stalled with runners at second and third in the bottom of the ninth and lost 4-3. The Eagles started the game with a 2-0 lead after one innings before the Griffons bounced back with three runs in the third to lead 3-2. MWSU extended the lead to 4-2 before USI's rally stalled in the ninth after one run had crossed the plate.

USI junior right-hander Dan Marcacci took the loss for the Eagles despite pitching well. Marcacci struck out 10 and allowed four hits and three runs in 6.1 innings of work, while walking five.

The Eagles will open the 2010 home schedule February 27-28 when they host a three-game series with Tiffin University. The Eagles and the Dragons are scheduled for a 1 p.m. doubleheader on February 27 and a noon single game on February 28.