EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles capitalized on a series of Youngstown State miscues and erupted for six runs in the eighth inning to turn a close game into a 10-1 rout in the first game of a Sunday doubleheader at USI Baseball Field.

The game, played on March 8, 2026, was a stark contrast in fortunes for the two teams. Southern Indiana improved to 12-4 on the season, while Youngstown State’s struggles deepened, falling to 1-13.

For six innings, Youngstown State starter Jack Messmore kept his team within striking distance. Despite taking the loss, Messmore delivered a gritty performance, allowing just two unearned runs on no hits over six innings of work. He walked three and struck out three, but was ultimately undone by his defense.

The Penguins struck first in the opening frame. Leadoff hitter Alex Jang singled up the middle and later scored on an RBI single by Brayden Kuriger in the third inning. That run gave Youngstown State a brief 1-0 lead.

That advantage vanished quickly in the bottom of the second. A throwing error by the Penguins’ shortstop put Noah Foster on base. After a stolen base and a walk, Southern Indiana catcher Drue Saenz delivered the key early blow, lacing a two-run triple to right field. Both runs were unearned, staking the Screaming Eagles to a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.

Southern Indiana added single runs in the fourth and eighth innings via small ball and more Penguins’ mistakes. In the fourth, Hunter Miller doubled, advanced on a bunt sacrifice by Zion Stephens, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Saenz. In the eighth, Clayton Slack was hit by a pitch, advanced on a single and a throwing error by the pitcher that allowed him to score, making it 5-1.

The most important part of the game, however, was the subsequent collapse by the Youngstown State bullpen in that fateful eighth. What was a 5-1 deficit ballooned after two were out. Following the error that scored Slack, Zion Stephens cleared the bases with a two-run single. Saenz followed with an RBI double, and Patrick McLellan capped the six-run, five-hit outburst with a two-run single. All six runs in the inning were unearned, stemming from two critical Youngstown State errors.

Southern Indiana’ offensive output was efficiently spread across eight hits, supported by two sacrifice hits. Saenz led the way, going 2-for-3 with four RBIs. Stephens added two RBIs, while Miller and McLellan each drove in a run.

Youngstown State’s offense, which managed six hits, was consistently stifled by Southern Indiana pitching and its own double plays. The Penguins grounded into two double plays, including a game-ending line-drive double play in the ninth inning.

Southern Indiana starter Ryan Weller earned the win, providing five solid innings. He allowed one run on four hits, walking one and striking out three. The Screaming Eagles’ bullpen was dominant, with Andres Gonzalez, Jake Porter and Jai Jensen combining for four scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits and striking out four.

The victory extended Southern Indiana’s winning streak and continued a dominant stretch against Youngstown State, having also won the series opener 5-2 on Friday. The Penguins, meanwhile, continued to search for answers, with their season record reflecting a difficult start marked by defensive lapses and offensive inconsistency.