March 29, 2011

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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Spencer Patton tossed six shutout innings Tuesday night and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville topped Arkansas State 2-1 in the opener of a two-game baseball series at SimmonsCooper Complex.

"We said before the game that we would play for a run, SIUE Head Coach Gary Collins said. "The wind was blowing in and it was hard to hit. As it turned out, it was real hard to hit."

"We needed a win to get back on track and get a little confidence back," Collins added.

Patton allowed five hits, walked two and tied his career high with 12 strikeouts. He improved to 3-2 with his third consecutive win. He also has fanned 12 hitters in each of last three starts.

The Cougars, 6-15, scored both runs in the fourth inning against ASU starter Corey Kyle. Mitch Matecki reached on an error to lead off the inning. Zach Hawkins then reached on a one out error. Brett Keeler walked to load the bases before Matt Highland walked to force home the first run and put SIUE on top 1-0. Chase Green followed with a squeeze bunt up the first base line to make it 2-0 Cougars.

It remained 2-0 until the top of the ninth inning. With two outs and the bases empty ASU second baseman Anthony hect drilled a triple to the fence in left field off SIUE reliever Dustin Quattrocchi, who had relieved Patton. Thad Hawkins came on in relief of Quattrocchi following the triple.

Tyler Smith singled against Hawkins to bring home Hect to make it 2-1. The Red Wolves loaded the bases on a pair of walks before Hawkins struck out Zach George to end the game and earn the save, his first.

Quattrocchi allowed the single run in 2 2/3 innings of relief. He struck out one. He retired the first seven hitters he faced before the triple.

"Q came in and did a good job," Collins said. "He did a nice job for us."

ASU, 12-14, out hit SIUE 7-2 during the game. James Vazquez and Mike Swinnen had the only hits for the Cougars. No one had more than a single hit for ASU.

The two teams will complete the series with a 3 p.m. game Wednesday at SimmonsCooper Complex.