Edwards pitches Blue Raiders to 5-1 win

Edwards allowed one run, which was unearned, and seven hits in the outing with seven strikeouts. It is the fourth complete game in his career as he improved to 5-2 on the season.

"The wind was blowing straight in today after blowing straight out yesterday so it was a pitcher's day today. As it turned out the result of the game neither team played errorless ball but it affected Chad as far as not getting the shutout which hurts us. It's a precious thing to get a shutout in this day and time," head coach Steve Peterson said. "It was a pitcher's day because you saw balls that were scorched but it allows the pitcher to be a little more un-concerning as far as location. It was definitely a pitcher's day and fortunately we put runs up early."

The Blue Raiders (28-18) used 11 hits, including three doubles, to its advantage in the game with two players recording three hits. Juniors Bryce Brentz and Tyler Burnett each went 3 for 4 with an RBI and Brentz scored a run.

Junior Justin Miller also performed well at the plate as he went 2 for 4 with two RBI, two doubles and scored two runs.

Chris Serritella led the Salukis' at the plate as he was 2 for 4 and scored the only run. Randy Hoelscher took the loss on the mound as he allowed five runs on 11 hits in seven innings of work. Bryant George entered the game in relief working one inning allowing no runs or hits.

Middle Tennessee started the scoring early. The Blue Raiders used three hits beginning with a double by Guidry to score three runs in the first.

The Blue Raiders extended their lead to five in the third after a double down the left field line by Miller drove in McDade. Then Jones singled to left field bringing in Miller to add to Middle Tennessee's total.

In the fourth, SIU's Serritella single to right center field and then scored on a fielding error at shortstop by Lawrence, 5-1.

Middle Tennessee will host the final game of the series with the Salukis on Sunday, May 9 at 1 p.m.

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