EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball came up short in the series opener with Murray State University, 5-4, Friday afternoon at the USI Baseball Field. USI is 7-10 overall in 2025, while Murray State goes 11-3 this year.
 
The Screaming Eagles spotted the Racers a 4-0 lead with single tallies in the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth frames. USI warmed up the bats in the bottom of the eighth, scoring three times in the bottom of the eighth to cut the deficit to 4-3.
 
USI got its first run on a two-out triple by junior designated hitter Cole Kitchens, who would later score the second run on an RBI single by junior first baseman Kannon Coakley. Junior Hunter Miller would pinch run for Coakley and came around for the third tally of the frame on a single by junior second/third baseman Parker Martin.
 
After Murray State got a run back in the top of the ninth, USI would close the gap one more time to pull to within one, 5-4. Sophomore rightfielder Cameron Boyd led off the ninth on a three-bag error by the centerfielder and scored on a sacrifice fly by junior utility player Patrick McLellan. The one-run deficit would be as close as the Eagles would get in falling 5-4.
 
On the mound, junior right-hander Andres Gonzalez took a tough loss. Gonzalez (0-2) allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits and a walk, while striking out four in six innings of work.
 
Up Next for the Eagles:
The Eagles and  Racers continue the series Saturday at 11 a.m. and conclude the three-game set Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
USI Schedule Update:
USI has rescheduled a pair of games that were postponed due to weather. The Screaming Eagles will visit Saint Louis University on April 22 at 5 p.m. in a game that was postponed from March 5 and will host the University of Evansville May 13 at 6 p.m. for a game that was postponed February 22.
 
Due to the ever-changing weather in March, USI encourages fans to watch for potential schedule changes on USIScreamingEagles.com, X, and Facebook.