EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE scored a pair of runs in the ninth inning but left a pair on base and fell to Southeast Missouri 5-3 in the second game of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at Simmons Baseball Complex.

Southeast Missouri overtook (19-12) SIUE for sole possession of first place in the OVC at 6-2. SIUE is 5-3. The Cougars are 12-17 overall.

Trailing 5-1 going into the ninth, Kyle Ratliff and Joshua Heyder reached on a walk and a hit, respectively. Lane Crowden singled up the middle to drive in Ratliff. John Stallcup struck out and Daniel Gierer singled to drive Brendan Fry, who was pinch running for Heyder.

With two on in a 5-3 game, Southeast Missouri was forced to bring on its closer, Jackson Kranawetter, who struck out Mack Mitchell and Chase Bloomer to end the game. He earned his fifth save of the season.

SEMO took a 2-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a hit, two walks and a hit batter.

Ryan Niedzwiedz made it 2-1 when he singled to drive in Mack Mitchell in the fourth inning.

The Redhawks extended the lead to 5-1 with two runs in the fifth inning and another in the sixth.   

Garrett Helsel (0-3) started and worked into the fifth inning for SIUE. He allowed four runs, three earned on four hits. He struck out two and walked two.

Duncan McLaughlin allowed a run in an inning of relief. Zach Duenas (1 1/3 innings) and Joseph Martin (2 1/3 innings) both turned in scoreless relief outings. Marting struck out three.

Six different players finished with a single hit for SIUE.

Shea McGahan had two hits to lead Southeast Missouri,

The series finale is set for 1 p.m. Monday at Roy E. Lee Field.