TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State turned a season-high three double plays but managed only two hits and committed two errors in a 5-0 loss to Southern Illinois in the first game of a Missouri Valley Conference doubleheader Saturday at Price Field.
 
The Sycamores (14-26, 2-13) stranded four base runners in the game, three of which were left in scoring position, but most of the opportunities came early in the game. Most notably the chances came in the third inning when a bases loaded situation was cut short by a double play turned by Southern Illinois (25-10, 10-4).
 
That came after the Salukis scored three runs in the top half of the inning with RBI singles by Jenny Jansen and Megan Brown before Shelby Hodo drew a bases loaded walk. SIU added single runs in the fifth and sixth innings with stellar defensive plays limiting Southern's scoring in those innings. In the fifth, Sycamore catcher Brooke Mann picked a runner off third when the bases were loaded while Indiana State turned its third double play of the game – the second-most in a single game in school history – in the sixth inning.
 
ISU prevented runs in the first two innings thanks to a pair of double plays that were assisted by Bailey Martin (first inning) and Bella Peterson (second inning). Despite the defensive plays, the bats couldn't get going for the Trees and ISU failed to push a run across for the first time in 10 games.
 
Tessa Sims (1-4) was charged with the loss after allowing three runs on six hits in 2.2 innings in the circle while walking four. Peyton Ottersbach finished the game for ISU, allowing two runs – one earned – over the final 4.1 innings. A career-long outing for Ottersbach, she issued only two walks.
 
Claire Miller (7-3) claimed the win for the Salukis in a complete game performance, allowing just the two hits while walking two and striking out six. Brown and Jansen both led SIU with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate with a run scored.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Peyton Ottersbach claims this honor after pitching a career-long 4.1 innings and allowing just one earned run on four hits as she was steady in relief of Tessa Sims.
 
STAT OF THE GAME
Indiana State recorded a season-high three double plays in the game. It is the highest number of double plays the Trees have registered in a single game since 2016.
 
PITCHERS OF RECORD

• Win: Claire Miller, Southern Illinois (7-3)
• Loss: Tessa Sims, Indiana State (1-4)
• Save: None

RECORDS UPDATE

• Indiana State: 14-26 (2-13 MVC)
• Southern Illinois: 25-10 (10-4 MVC)

NOTABLES

• The three double plays turned in the game by the Sycamores are a season high and are the second-most in school history behind the four turned at Northern Iowa on April 3, 2016.
• This marks the first time the Sycamores have dropped a season series to the Salukis since 2012. Indiana State falls to 26-72 all-time against Southern Illinois.
• Bailey Martin tied a career-high with two walks drawn.
• Peyton Ottersbach's 4.1 innings pitched marked a career-long outing.

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