EVANSVILLE, Ind. - University of Southern Indiana Baseball dropped the middle game of its three-game series against Lindenwood University, 10-2, on Friday night at USI Baseball Field. USI moved to 26-27 overall and 9-17 in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Following a scoreless first two innings, the Lions struck first on Friday with four runs on the board in the top of the third inning to take a 4-0 lead. USI responded quickly with a solo home run from senior outfielder
Hunter Miller, marking his third of the year and first at home.
After USI cut the deficit down to three, 4-1, Lindenwood added three more runs in the top of the fourth inning off three hits to grab a 7-1 advantage. The Screaming Eagles got one run back in the home half of the fourth on an RBI double from senior outfielder
Noah Foster to make the score 7-2.
The Lions went on to score three runs over the next four innings to push their lead to 10-2. The Screaming Eagles had an opportunity to trim the difference in the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded, but could not scratch across a run.
Lindenwood closed out the ballgame keeping USI off the scoreboard in the last five innings.
USI finished with two runs off seven hits but committed five errors. Lindenwood totaled 10 runs on 13 hits with no errors.
At the plate, Miller collected two hits, including the solo home run. Senior infielder
Clayton Slack went 2-2 and also walked twice, reaching base in all four plate appearances.
It was another bullpen-heavy game for the Screaming Eagles, as eight total pitchers were used in the contest. Getting the start on the mound for the Eagles was sophomore right-hander
Ean DiPasquale (4-3), who threw for the opening three innings and allowed five hits and four runs. After DiPasquale, the Eagles utilized seven relievers, who combined for six innings of work, allowing eight hits and two earned runs with three strikeouts
Lindenwood starting pitcher Seth Benes took a no-decision, surrendering two runs off six hits in four innings. Getting the win was Lindenwood's first reliever, Ethan Smith (3-2), who went 2.1 scoreless innings with five walks and one hit allowed.
With Western Illinois University's loss at Eastern Illinois University earlier Friday afternoon, the Screaming Eagles clinched their spot in next week's OVC tournament. The first day of games takes place on Tuesday, May 19, at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois.
Up Next for the Screaming Eagles:
The Screaming Eagles and the Lions will wrap up the final game of the series on Saturday at 2 p.m. and will celebrate Senior Day before the game, honoring 14 seniors.
Fans can follow USI Athletics on Facebook, Instagram, and X, as well as online at usiscreamingeagles.com for any schedule changes due to weather. Links to follow the Screaming Eagles during 2026 can be found on USIScreamingEagles.com and the USI Baseball Schedule.
