Preview: Illinois State Redbirds at Southern Illinois Salukis

CARBONDALE, Ill. (Interstat) — A pivotal Missouri Valley Conference series concludes Sunday at Abe Martin Field as the Southern Illinois Salukis host the Illinois State Redbirds.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon, with cloudy skies and temperatures near 57 degrees forecast.

The series is tied after Southern Illinois (11-17) edged Illinois State (18-11) 4-3 on Friday. The Salukis took advantage of a strong start from right-hander Andrew Evans, who threw eight shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out 11. Cecil Lofton provided the offensive spark with a two-run homer.

Illinois State’s Thomas Harper was nearly as dominant in a tough-luck loss, firing five no-hit innings with two earned runs allowed.

The Sunday matchup sets up as another potential pitcher’s duel. Harper (recent stats: 13.0 IP, 6 H, 8 ER, 12 K in last three starts) will look to lead the Redbirds to a series split. Evans (recent stats: 26.0 IP, 15 H, 3 ER, 28 K in last four starts), coming off his masterpiece, is expected to start again for the Salukis.

The Redbirds have won seven of their last ten games despite the Friday loss. Southern Illinois has struggled for consistency, going 4-6 over its last ten.

Interstat’s game simulator projects an Illinois State victory, 7-2.

Following Sunday’s contest, Illinois State hosts Saint Louis on Tuesday. Southern Illinois remains home to face Southeast Missouri State on Tuesday.