The University of Evansville baseball squad saw its 2026 campaign close with a 3-2 defeat to Southern Illinois University in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, finishing the year at 21 wins and 33 losses overall, 13-11 within the league.
Early in the contest, Evansville struck first, plating two runs in the third inning after a timely single from Reid Haire set the stage for Reagan Reeder’s two‑run homer, his second of the day, which put the Purple Aces ahead.
Right‑hander Tanner Graham made a strong debut, delivering five scoreless innings and fanning five batters, giving the team a solid foundation despite the eventual setback.
Southern Illinois answered in the sixth, tying the game with a flurry of three doubles, and the decisive blow came in the eighth when an error allowed the Salukis to score the go‑ahead run, sealing the 3‑2 outcome.
A Look Forward
While the loss marks the end of the season, standout performances from players such as Reagan Reeder and Reid Haire, who recorded multiple hits, suggest a foundation of talent that could carry the program into the next chapter.