Exciting Baseball Showdown: Lindenwood University Takes on Southern Illinois This Tuesday!

Game Preview: Lindenwood vs. Southern Illinois

On April 29, Lindenwood will face off against Southern Illinois at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. This matchup is crucial for the Lions as they wrap up their road trip. Currently, Lindenwood holds a record of 22 wins and 22 losses, with 9 wins and 8 losses in the conference, placing them fifth overall.

Recently, the Lions secured two victories out of three in a series against Western Illinois. Their pitching staff shone brightly, with standout performances from Josh Newell, Ethan Smith, and Eli Brown. Newell has now delivered five straight starts where he pitched at least six innings while allowing three earned runs or fewer. Smith’s impressive outing lasted 7.2 innings, giving up only one run and striking out eight batters. Because of this performance, Newell earned the OVC Pitcher of the Week award.

In their earlier encounter this season, Southern Illinois claimed a 3-0 victory on April 1. The Salukis come into this game boasting a solid record of 30-13, including a strong 19-7 at home. They currently stand at 12 wins and 6 losses in their conference.

The OVC Landscape

As of the latest Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Preseason Baseball Poll, Southeast Missouri State has emerged as the favorite, receiving 13 of 20 first-place votes. The Redhawks, with 157 points, are closely followed by Little Rock and Tennessee Tech. Lindenwood, in this context, was predicted to finish near the bottom, signifying the competitive nature of the conference.

Lindenwood’s offensive and defensive stats reflect a team on the rise. Kam Edwards leads the way with a .356 batting average and 58 hits. Sam Grunberg’s impressive 38 RBIs showcase the team’s offensive potential. On the mound, Bennett Stice boasts a remarkable ERA of 2.35, while Eli Brown leads in strikeouts with 54, illustrating the strength of their pitching staff.

Coaching Leadership

Head Coach PJ Finigan is entering his third season at Lindenwood and his second year as head coach. Under his guidance, the team has shown significant growth. In his first season, the Lions won 16 games, ranking notably with 99 stolen bases. This emphasis on speed on the bases highlights Finigan’s strategic approach.

Players like Dawson Hokuf have also made noteworthy contributions, finishing last season with a .344 batting average, six home runs, and 33 RBIs. This focus on offensive and defensive balance sets the stage for Lindenwood’s future successes.

What’s Next?

After this game against Southern Illinois, the Lions will head home for a three-game series against Morehead State, starting on Friday at 5 p.m. With strong performances leading up to this point, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the season.

For more information and live stats during the game, visit StatBroadcast.

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