Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Southern Illinois
Racers Travel to Carbondale for Clash of Preseason MVC Favorites
4/23/2026 12:17:00 PM | Baseball
MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State Baseball travels north to Carbondale, Illinois, this weekend to face the Southern Illinois Salukis as Missouri Valley Conference play continues.
The Racers enter the series following a 19-2 midweek loss at Ole Miss. Despite that result, Murray State carries significant momentum into the weekend after a three-game sweep of Illinois State at Johnny Reagan Field last week.
This weekend's matchup features the top two preseason favorites in the Missouri Valley. The Salukis began the year ranked as the number two favorite in the conference according to the preseason MVC poll.
The Racers' pitching staff is coming off a dominant performance against the Redbirds. Nic Schutte earned MVC Pitcher of the Week honors for his efforts, while Jacob Hustedde provided a stellar outing on the mound with 6.1 scoreless innings.
Kainen Jorge provided the offensive fireworks on Sunday, delivering a two-run single to secure the first walk-off victory of the 2026 season for the Racers.
Murray State currently sits in a tie for first place in the Missouri Valley standings alongside UIC. Both programs have posted a 10-5 record in conference play through this point in the season.
The Racers and Salukis share a long history on the diamond. Southern Illinois holds the advantage in the all-time series with a 55-28 record against Murray State.
Southern Illinois enters the series after sweeping Bradley last weekend to improve to 7-5 in the MVC, which currently places them fifth in the conference standings. The Salukis have split their four conference series so far, winning two of three against Illinois State in addition to their sweep of the Braves.
SIU dropped a Tuesday matchup at SEMO by a score of 5-1 and will look to get back on track against the Racers.
Sunday's series finale in Carbondale will be the lone nationally televised game for the Racers this season, airing on ESPNU. The games on Friday and Saturday will be available for fans to stream via ESPN+.
Murray State will utilize the same starting rotation as last week, featuring Nic Schutte on Friday, Jacob Hustedde on Saturday, and Drew Deremer on Sunday. Southern Illinois will counter with right-handed pitcher Andrew Evans on Friday and left-handed pitcher Troy Shepard on Saturday. The Salukis have yet to name a starter for Sunday.
First pitch for the series opener is scheduled for six p.m. Friday, followed by a two p.m. start on Saturday and a three p.m. start on Sunday.
For more information on the Murray State Baseball program, follow @RacersBaseball on Instagram and X or visit GoRacers.com.
