St. Charles, Mo. – The Lindenwood baseball team wrapped up a strong season by defeating Southern Illinois 12-2 on Tuesday. This victory marked their third win against SIU this season. The Lions have been on a hot streak, winning 11 out of their last 12 games and finishing April with an impressive 13-3 record.
In this game, Lindenwood’s offense shone brightly with 12 hits. Will Geary, Filip Sarota, and Owen Ralph led the team, each contributing two hits. Ralph also drove in three runs, while Geary set a new NCAA era record with 24 stolen bases this season.
Pitcher Ethan Smith earned the win, allowing just one run on four hits and striking out three in 3.2 innings. In relief, Luke Wright gave up one run on two hits over 2.1 innings, and Tanner Paschke closed the game with one inning of shutout ball.
The game started with a bang, as Geary hit a double and scored on a base hit by William Zareh. In the second inning, the Lions scored three runs, highlighted by Sarota’s double and Ralph’s RBI single. Sam Driscoll followed with an RBI double, extending the lead. Southern Illinois managed to score a run, but Lindenwood quickly responded with two more runs after a series of walks and clutch hitting.
The real turning point came in the sixth inning. Jake Radosevich launched a leadoff home run, followed by a flurry of runs that expanded their lead to 11-2. Even when SIU threatened in the seventh, Paschke worked his way out of a tough spot, ensuring the Lions secured a decisive win.
This impressive performance reflects a growing trend in collegiate baseball, where teams are prioritizing speed and aggressive base running. Research indicates that teams that steal more bases often maintain better scoring opportunities throughout a game.
With the playoffs approaching, Lindenwood’s eighth-ranked offense in the OVC could pose a serious challenge to their upcoming opponents. Fans are excited, taking to social media to express their support and anticipation for the next series against SIUE this weekend.
As the Lions gear up for more action, their teamwork and momentum will be key in their quest for success.
