March 9, 2002

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Coming into Saturday's contest with Southeastern Missouri, Tiger pitchers had walked only nine batters in seven games. On Saturday alone, three Tiger pitchers more than doubled that statistic, allowing 10 free passes in a 7-4 loss to the Indians at AutoZone Park.

The Tigers drew first blood in the home half of the first when senior designated hitter Barrett Smith drove in freshman shortstop Brent Dlugach on an infield hit. Junior right fielder Paul Cookman then scored on a fielder's choice to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.

The Indians responded by putting up five runs in the top of the second on four singles, three walks and one Tiger error. Southeast tacked-on two more runs in the top of the fourth on two bases-loaded walks.

Freshman right-hander Michael Novarese took over in the fifth and scattered three hits with four strikeouts and only one walk over five scoreless innings.

Memphis moved the score to 7-4 on a two-run homer by sophomore Kyle Scott in the bottom of the eighth. Dlugach was the lone Tiger with two hits.

The Tigers are back in action tomorrow for their final game of a three-game set with the Indians at 1 p.m. at AutoZone Park.