Blue Raiders fall 9-4 to Salukis

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee posted 10 hits on the day, two for extra bases, but it was not enough in a 9-4 loss to Southern Illinois on Tuesday afternoon.

The Blue Raiders (13-3) had just four hits headed into the bottom of the ninth scoring three runs on six hits in the inning. Juniors Ben Darlington and Stuart Meinhart each posted doubles on the day with Meinhart going 2 for 4 with two RBI.

Senior Rawley Bishop was the only other Blue Raider with two hits as he also went 2 for 4 with two RBI.

On the mound, freshman Brett Wilson had his first start working 5.1 innings allowing three runs on five hits for the loss as he is now 2-1 on the season.

Junior Nick Montgomery, freshman Justin Guidry and seniors Brett Smalley and Chad Coley worked 3.2 innings allowing six runs on seven hits between them.

The Salukis (7-12) had 12 hits on the day which included one double and two home runs which hurt Middle Tennessee in the end.

SIU scored one run in the top of the second after a runner scored from third on a double play.

A single to right field in the bottom of the third by Bishop tied the game at one as Darlington scored from second.

SIU broke the tie in the top of the sixth as Serritella hit a three-run shot to left field. The Salukis continued the scoring in the seventh scoring five runs on five hits taking a 9-1 lead.

The Blue Raiders scored three runs in the ninth but it was not enough.

The Blue Raiders will be back in action on Wednesday, March 18 when it rounds out its two-game series with Southern Illinois at 3 p.m.

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