Southeast Missouri State University student publication

SEMO baseball wins seven in a row; sweeps Bradley

Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Junior catch Andrew Keck rips a line drive in game 2 against the Bradley Braves (3/5/22).
Photo by Caleb Hoggard

The Redhawks baseball team continues their historic start to the season as they rally behind 8 home runs to sweep the Bradley Braves in a 3 game series.

Senior shortstop Tyler Wilber set the tone for the series as he blasted his third home run of the season over the right field fence to give the Redhawks a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. SEMO would not look back as they totaled 10 runs in the first three innings to lead them to a 16-7 win in their first game against the Braves.

The Redhawks were no stranger to early inning success as they combined for 11 runs in three innings in game 2 against Bradley and 7 runs in the first two innings in game 3.

SEMO Head Coach Andy Sawyers said that a big reason for their early inning success is due to the desire to get the opponent’s starting pitcher out.

“If we can punch them in the mouth and get the starter out of the game, everything gets better,” Sawyers said. “We just try to make it a point of emphasis to score early and get to the bullpen and see what happens.”

Along with having early inning success, the Redhawks also showcased their ability to provide the long ball by combining for a total of 8 home runs in the series. Tyler Wilber (2), Jevon Mason (2), Brett Graber, Joel Vaske (2), and Ty Stauss all contributed in SEMO’s slugfest.

Junior catcher Andrew Keck says the team's approach at the plate has helped provide the success they have been having.

“You know, we're taking the same approach that we have taken for three years now,” Keck said. “We try to take flat hacks to the ball, and those flat hacks sometimes turn into home runs as you saw.”

The SEMO baseball team combined for a total of 39 runs in their sweep against Bradley. In game two (7 innings) of the series, Redhawks won 11-8 and won game three as well by a score of 12-5.

Although the Redhawks ability to play well both offensively and defensively has been the reason for their success, the team's dugout has also been helping the team stay confident and motivated throughout the game.

Junior left field Javon Mason says that having the dugout be lively and energetic helps the team get the edge they need to succeed at the plate.

“It makes us feel like we got somebody who has our backs,” Mason said. “It benefits us a lot because it just helps us get confidence while we're at the plate.”

Mason, along with his fellow Redhawk teammates, look to continue their seven game win streak as they travel to Jonesboro, Arkansas to face off against the Red Wolves on Tuesday, March 8th. Game time starts at 6:00 pm.

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