NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State scored early and often Tuesday night, going on to defeat SIUE baseball 14-3 in seven innings at Duffy Bass Field.

The Cougars have dropped three straight and are now 5-16. Illinois State improved to 9-9.

The Redbirds scored nine times over the first three innings, before SIUE got on the board in the top of the fourth. John Stallcup got the Cougars on the board with an infield single to plate Ethan Willoughby, who had walked to start the inning.

Illinois State pushed the lead to 13-1 with a four-run bottom of the inning.

It was 14-1 ISU when SIUE pulled two runs back in the seventh inning. Nicholas Ibrahim drove in a run with a double and Ryan Niedzwiedz followed with an RBI-triple.

Zeus Ponder (2-1) allowed four runs in two innings. He struck out three and didn't walk a batter. Garrett Helsel allowed five runs in an inning and Ian Benner allowed four runs in an inning. Gist gave up a run in two innings.

Thomas Harer (2-0) worked seven innings in the start for the Redbirds. He allowed a run on seven hits and struck out four.

Niedzwiedz and Stallcup each had three hits and an RBI to lead SIUE at the plate.

Luke Lawrence was 3-4 with a home run and five RBIs to pace Illinois State.

ISU outhit SIUE 14-10 in the game.

The Cougars will open Ohio Valley Conference play Friday when they start a three-game series with Lindenwood at Roy E. Lee Field.