Kessler Singles Home Game-Winner

Box Score

April 7, 2002

         Jason Kessler singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning to lead Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to a 9-8 win over Southern Indiana Sunday at Roy Lee Field.
         SIUE (18-15, 6-5 GLVC) completed a three-game sweep over Southern Indiana (14-18, 7-9 GLVC). With the sweep, SIUE moved into fifth-place in the GLVC.
         The Cougars were led by the hot bats of Kessler and senior shortstop Chad Opel. Opel was 4 for 6, including a double and three runs scored. Kessler finished 4 of 7 with two runs scored and three RBIs, including the game winners. Justin Baecht also contributed with three RBIs.
         The two teams had most of their scoring in the first three innings. Tied 6-6, SIUE took the lead in the fourth on a passed ball as Josh Hanewinkel scored.
         Southern Indiana tied the game in the seventh as Brian Branson ripped the game's only home run.
         Pitching shut both teams down until the 12th when Southern Indiana scored first on a sacrifice fly from Justin Ambs as Noah Wetzel scored from third.
         SIUE roared back in the bottom of the 12th as losing pitcher Darren Weeks hit Wes Pickering and then walked Chad Opel. Matt Antey then entered the game for Weeks. Josh Cate reached first as Antey tried to catch the lead runner at third base unsuccessfully. Kessler then followed up with a two-run single to end the game.
         The Cougars travel to conference rival Kentucky Wesleyan on Wednesday to play a noon doubleheader.
                  -siue cougars-

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Players Mentioned

#21 Justin Baecht: OF/C; 5' 9"; Junior

#23 Josh Cate: OF; 6' 0"; Senior

#26 Josh Hanewinkel: 1B; 6' 3"; Junior

#40 Jason Kessler: C; 6' 1"; Junior

#8 Chad Opel: SS; 5' 10"; Senior

#14 Wes Pickering: OF; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#21 Justin Baecht
: 5' 9"; Junior
: OF/C

#23 Josh Cate
: 6' 0"; Senior
: OF

#26 Josh Hanewinkel
: 6' 3"; Junior
: 1B

#40 Jason Kessler
: 6' 1"; Junior
: C

#8 Chad Opel
: 5' 10"; Senior
: SS

#14 Wes Pickering
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: OF