USI Baseball Splits Doubleheader at Cal State Bakersfield, Hosts Oakland Next
- – University of Southern Indiana Baseball concluded a four-game series against Cal State Bakersfield with a split doubleheader on Sunday, finishing with a 2-2 record to start the...
- The first game saw USI demonstrate significant offensive prowess, scoring six runs in the second inning, followed by single runs in the third and fourth.
- Senior first baseman Patrick McLellan was the standout performer for USI, achieving six hits, driving in five runs, and hitting a home run.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball concluded a four-game series against Cal State Bakersfield with a split doubleheader on Sunday, finishing with a 2-2 record to start the season. The Screaming Eagles secured a 14-8 victory in the opening game, followed by a narrow 11-10 loss in the nightcap.
Game 1: Offensive Powerhouse
The first game saw USI demonstrate significant offensive prowess, scoring six runs in the second inning, followed by single runs in the third and fourth. They extended their lead with four more runs in the seventh, and added a final run in the eighth and ninth innings, ultimately securing a 14-8 win.
Senior first baseman Patrick McLellan was the standout performer for USI, achieving six hits, driving in five runs, and hitting a home run. Junior third baseman Parker Martin also contributed significantly with three RBIs, a home run, and two runs scored.
Junior right-hander Trey O’Neil was credited with the win in relief, pitching a third of an inning and walking one batter.
Game 2: Rally Falls Short
The second game proved to be a more challenging contest. USI faced a substantial deficit, trailing 11-5 after seven innings. Despite a spirited rally, scoring five runs across the eighth and ninth innings, they ultimately fell short, losing 11-10. The Screaming Eagles left the bases loaded in the ninth inning, unable to capitalize on the opportunity to tie or take the lead.
Senior shortstop Clayton Slack led the USI offense in the nightcap, going two-for-three with two runs scored, four RBIs, and a two-run home run to left center.
Junior right-hander Jared Eckstein started the game and took the loss for USI, allowing five runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one batter in two-thirds of an inning.
Looking Ahead: Home Opener Against Oakland
The Screaming Eagles will now turn their attention to their home opener, a four-game series against Oakland, scheduled to begin on , at the USI Baseball Field. The first game is slated for 4 p.m. And will be broadcast on ESPN 97.7FM (stream only).
Oakland began their season with a 1-2 record against Lamar, securing a 3-2 victory in the final game of the series on Sunday.
Historically, Oakland holds a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series against USI, having won two of three games against the Screaming Eagles in .
The series against Oakland marks the start of the 2026 home schedule for USI, offering an opportunity for the team to build momentum and showcase their talent in front of a home crowd. The upcoming games will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as both teams aim to establish themselves as contenders in the early stages of the season.