MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Tyler DeLong fired six shutout innings, and SIUE scored five times in the first two innings on its way to an 8-1 win over UIC Sunday at USA Stadium.
The Cougars won two of three in the weekend series and improved to 13-5 overall. UIC dropped to 7-8.
"I am proud of the way our guys bounced back after losing game one to come away with the series win today," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said.
Josh Ohl led off the bottom of the first inning with his first home run of the season to get the scoring started. Nick Terrell's first long ball, a three-run shot, highlighted a four-run second inning. Chase Bloomer drove home the other run in the inning with a single off of UIC starter Tyler Ingram.
"The guys did a really nice job coming out swinging the bats," Lyons added. "Josh leading off the game with the home run and Nick Terrell adding on in the second inning really gave us some nice momentum."
Brady Bunten singled to drive in a run in the fourth inning and then doubled to drive in another in the eighth inning. Ole Arntson added a sacrifice fly to straight away center later in the inning. The ball would have been a home run had it not been for a leaping catch by UIC centerfielder Bobby Grimes.
DeLong (2-0) worked a season-best six innings, while striking out a career-best nine hitters. He allowed three hits and he waked one.
"Tyler did a really nice job in his second weekend start," Lyons said. "He did a nice job of keeping their hitters at bay and allowing us to come away with the win."
Spencer Smith worked two innings allowing a run on a home run. He struck out two.
"Spencer was really sharp out of the bullpen," Lyons said. "It was really good to see out of him."
Zeus Ponder finished the game with a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out one.
SIUE outhit UIC 8-4. Bunten and Bloomer each finished with a pair of hits.
The Cougars look forward to a four-game week at home which includes the start of Ohio Valley Conference play Friday. Tuesday, the Cougars will play host to Evansville in a 5 p.m. game at Simmons Complex.
"We have a good Evansville team coming to town for a nice midweek game," Lyons said. "And then we're kicking off OVC play with SEMO. It's a big week."
