BASEBALL: Indians split DH at Herrin

The Indians split their doubleheader at Herrin on Saturday, falling 7-6 in extra innings in the opener before pounding the Tigers 14-2 in the five-inning second game.

Levi Brening didn't get off to a great start on the mound in game one, but he and the Du Quoin offense did. Brening doubled in Ethan Keller and A.J. Smith (single) in the top of the first, but Herrin came back with three runs (two earned) in the bottom of the inning and led 3-2.

Braden Lee and Keller had base hits in the top of the second to tie the game at 3-3, but again the Tigers responded, scoring twin on two walks and a hit in the bottom of the inning.

Brening settled in with four scoreless innings after that, and the Indians chipped away a run in both the third and fourth, with Jacob Valier's RBI single tying the game at 5-5.

It looked like Du Quoin would pick up their first win of the season after Cole Hopkins, Keller, and Valier started the 8th with singles to put the Indians up a run, but Smith allowed two singles and a walk in the bottom of the inning as Herrin plated a pair.

Keller (2-5, R, RBI), Valier (3-4, 2 RBI, SAC), Smith (1-3, 2 R, 2 BB), Brening (1-4, 2 RBI, BB), Lee (1-4, R) and Hopkins (1-3, 2 R, BB) had Du Quoin's nine hits in the first game.

The Indians extracted some revenge in game two, getting nine hits and drawing nine walks in a 14-2 rout in five innings. Valier allowed two runs on five hits and a walk to get the win on the mound. He struck out six and added a 2-for-2 showing at the plate with three RBIs and a walk.

Smith (2-3, 2 R, RBI, BB), Brening (1-1, 2 R, 2 RBI, 3 BB), Lee (2-4, R, 2 RBI), Jordan Edwards (1-3, 2 R, HBP) and Brock Bullar (1-4, R, RBI) also had hits in the nightcap.

Du Quoin (1-2) travels to Red Bud on Monday. They return home Tuesday to host Goreville.