Southeast Missouri State University’s baseball team kicked off its series against the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a 4-2 victory on Thursday night, handing the visitors a solid start to the weekend.
The Redhawks capitalized on early momentum, plating a solo run in the second inning when Demitri Shakotko launched a solo home run that put the team ahead 1-0.
Caleb Klein added a double in the third frame and later scored on Cal Sullivan’s RBI single, extending the lead before Little Rock could answer.
Carson Schrack’s run came via a fielder’s choice from Brooks Kettering in the fourth, while Kettering’s own solo homer in the ninth pushed the advantage to 4-0.
Little Rock rallied in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run blast by Angel Cano, narrowing the gap but ultimately falling short as the Redhawks sealed the win.
Standout Players
Mason Pennington dominated on the mound, tossing 6 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and no earned runs, while Gavin Johnston closed out the game with 2 1/3 innings of relief, striking out two and earning a save.
At the plate, Shakotko finished with a home run, a run scored and an RBI, whereas Kettering contributed a homer, two hits and two RBIs, underscoring his all‑around impact.
Brooks Kettering’s performance was highlighted by a solo homer in the ninth that capped the scoring, and Cal Sullivan’s RBI single helped drive in a crucial run earlier in the game.
The win improves the Redhawks’ early-season record and sets the stage for a Friday afternoon showdown at 4 p.m. CT, when the teams reconvene in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Fans can expect another competitive matchup, with both squads looking to fine‑tune their strategies before conference play intensifies.