Southern Illinois is gearing up to welcome Illinois State for their first home conference series, kicking off on March 3 at Itchy Jones Stadium. Both teams are looking to make a mark in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) this season, but it’s Southern Illinois that gets to host this time.
What’s Happening?
The opening weekend promises some intriguing matchups. Friday’s game will feature Andrew Evans from Southern Illinois, who boasts a strong record of 4-1 and a 1.76 ERA, against Illinois State’s Thomas Harper, who has a record of 1-1 and a 6.59 ERA. On Saturday, Troy Shepard from the Salukis will face Michael Addari, a standout with a fantastic 0.84 ERA. Sunday’s matchup is still to be determined, leaving fans guessing.
Team Updates
Southern Illinois comes into this series after a tough loss to Lindenwood, where they fell 3-1. However, Julio Guerrero has been shining bright. Over the past two weeks, he hit .375 and is leading the team with six home runs. For fans of stats, Guerrero’s 17 stolen bases currently top the MVC.
This season, SIU is looking to build on last year’s impressive record of 113 home runs. With key players like Michael Mylott and Gabe Petrucelli returning, they have the power to do it again.
Interestingly, the team has a blend of experience and youth, featuring 13 seniors and 15 juniors, with just two fresh faces on the roster. Coach Lance Rhodes, now in his seventh year, has steered the Salukis to their first back-to-back 40-win seasons, accumulating a noteworthy 206-133 record.
Current Standings and Comparisons
This series is crucial for both teams. Southern Illinois stands at 10-17 and 1-2 in the MVC, while Illinois State, with a record of 19-10 and 4-2, has been performing strongly. Historically, Illinois State leads their all-time series 104-98, but SIU held their own last year, taking two out of three games at home.
Speaking of statistics, Illinois State’s offense is impressive this season. They lead the MVC in batting average (.306) and total hits (308), while their pitching staff has recorded an ERA of 5.02. Players like Brayden Bakes are making a significant impact as well, leading the Valley with a .398 batting average.
A Look Ahead
This season is pivotal for Southern Illinois, especially since they were picked to finish second in the preseason MVC poll. With only a handful of underclassmen, the team relies heavily on its seasoned players for leadership.
As they take the field, watch for how they adapt and respond against a tough opponent in Illinois State. It’s a great opportunity for Southern Illinois to showcase their talent and fighting spirit in front of their home crowd.
For more detailed stats and insights about the MVC, you can check the Missouri Valley Conference page.
