EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE and Southern Indiana combined for 12 home runs as the two teams split a double header Friday at Simmons Baseball Complex. The Screaming Eagles won the early game 13-11 and the Cougars took the night cap 11-5 to win the three-game Ohio Valley Conference series.

SIUE improved to 10-5 in OVC play and 17-21 overall. Southern Indiana moved to 8-7 overall and 17-22 overall.

The Cougars got four hits, including two home runs, five RBIs and four runs scored from Daniel Gier in the late game. Joshua Heyder also homered in the game. Chase Bloomer had two hits and three RBIs.

The Cougars scored four times in the third inning to take the lead they'd never relinquish. It was 8-5 SIUE heading into the eighth, when the Cougars added three insurance runs on two hits in the inning.

Kyle Athmer (2-1) pitched three innings in relief to earn the win. He allowed three runs and struck out three. Duncan McLaughlin picked up his first save of the season with two scoreless innings to finish the game.

Garrett Helsel allowed three runs in four innings in the start. He struck out three.

Trailing 11-9 going to the eighth, USI scored four times in the eighth to earn the comeback win in game one. USI designated hitter Cole Kitchens capped the inning with a three-run home run.

Kitchens finished the game with three home runs and seven RBIs. Kitchens added a home run in game two and was 6-9 with home runs and nine RBIs over the two games combined.

Khi Holiday added a home run, two RBIs and a run scored for the Screaming Eagles.

Ryan Niedzwiedz had four hits, an RBI and four runs scored. Bloomer, Kyle Ratliff, Ethan Willoughby and Lane Crowden all homered in the loss.

Tyler Davis (3-3) suffered the loss in relief. He allowed three runs in just 1/3 of an inning. Spencer Stearns started and worked the first 5 2/3 innings. He allowed eight runs and struck out two.

SIUE will play next Tuesday at Bradley. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. in Peoria, Illinois.