MURRAY, Ky. (Interstat) — Southern Illinois scored an unearned run in the eighth inning to defeat Evansville 3-2 in a Missouri Valley Conference game Thursday at Reagan Field. The victory gave the Salukis a 2-0 series lead after winning the opener 8-4 Wednesday.

Evansville grabbed a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning when Reagan Reed hit a two-run homer. The Purple Aces managed only four hits in the game. Southern Illinois tied the score in the sixth on Jacob McKenzie’s RBI double and Jaden Flores’ sacrifice fly. The Salukis broke the tie in the eighth when a throwing error by the shortstop allowed a runner to score. McKenzie and Michael Mylott each had two hits, while Gabe Petrucelli went 2-for-2.

Charlie Miller pitched eight innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs with six strikeouts to earn the win. Meade Johnson struck out three in a perfect ninth for the save. Kevin Reed took the loss for Evansville, pitching three innings and allowing two earned runs.

Southern Illinois improved to 25-31, while Evansville fell to 21-33.