EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE overcame a 4-1 deficit Friday to defeat Southeast Missouri 8-4 in the opener of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at Simmons Baseball Complex.

"Winning the first game of the series is important, but not mandatory," said Head Coach Tony Stoecklin. "Last weekend we lost the first game against Tennessee Tech and came back to win the series, but it certainly doesn't hurt our chances to win the first game."

The teams will continue the series with a 2 p.m. game Saturday. The start time was pushed back from 1 p.m. due to forecasted colder temperatures.

The Cougars improved to 9-1 in OVC play with the win. They are 9-11 overall. Southeast drops to 15-10 overall and 7-3 in the OVC.

Nick Lombardo and Alec Saikal each had three hits for the Cougars. Chase Green picked up two hits and two RBIs.

Ryan Daniels (2-3) earned the win. He allowed four runs, one earned, on six hits over five innings. Ryan Agnitsch tossed four scoreless innings in relief. He allowed just two hits and struck out two to earn his first save of the year.

"Daniels was better tonight," said Stoecklin. "He came out and competed and kept his composure and gave us an opportunity to win the game. Agnistsch was great tonight, too. He came in and did his job and did it well."

Travis Hayes started for Southeast and fell to 4-3 with the loss. He allowed seven runs, four earned, on 11 hits over 5 2/3 innings.