EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The Mavericks picked up their first win of the season today in a huge way as they blew out SIUE 20-0, forcing the run rule to be called after seven innings. This is the first time Omaha has scored 20 runs in a game and the first time the team has won by at least 20 runs since defeating Purdue Fort Wayne 26-0 on March 24, 2019.

Omaha is now 1-12 on the season, while the Cougars fall to 3-12.

Innings 1-4
Omaha got off to another fast start today as Tyler Bishop crushed a two-run homer to right to quickly put the Mavericks on top 2-0. On the mound, Caleb Riedel had his strongest outing yet, beginning his day with four scoreless innings, striking out five and allowing just one hit.

In the top of the third, Omaha erupted with six runs to completely blow the game wide open. With the bases loaded, Grant Sommers drew a four-pitch walk to bring in the first run, followed by a longer seven-pitch walk to Noah Greise to score the second. Joel Benes then delivered the final blow to SIUE starter Jacob Kampf with a two-run single through the left side. Henry Zipay would then cap off the inning with a two-run double to center to make it 8-0.

Omaha cashed in another run in the top of the fourth after Sommers reached on a two-out single before advancing to third on a double from Greise. A wild pitch would then allow him to score.

Innings 5-7
In the fifth, Trent Burkhalter would crush his second home run in as many days sent a two-run shot down the right field line to make it 11-0. After tacking on two more runs in the inning, Omaha again put up massive numbers in the sixth as the first seven batters all reached base. Matt Goetzmann and Bishop both singled home a run, while Sommers ripped a two-run double to right.

Pitching into the sixth inning for the first time this year, Riedel remained sharp, retiring the side in order. Leading 18-0, Omaha plated its final two runs in the seventh on a single from Zipay and reaching the 20-run mark on a fielder's choice from Bishop. All that was left to do was for Gage Ingram to come in and set down the Cougars 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning.

Inside the Box Score
Seven different Mavericks drove in a run today, with six of them recording multiple RBIs. Bishop's four RBIs were the most on the team, followed by Sommers and Zipay with three each.

Today marked the first time since March 10, 2023, that Riedel threw at least six shutout innings in a game.

Up Next
First pitch in the series finale is slated for 1 p.m. tomorrow. Preston Tenney (0-1) will get the start for Omaha against Spencer Stearns (0-2).