Chisolm's Two-Triple Performance Powers Racers to Series Win in Carbondale

Sunday, April 26

Carbondale, IL

3 p.m.

Murray State

26-18, 12-6

Southern Illinois

17-25, 8-7

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Murray St.	1	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	7	9	0
Southern Ill.	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	5	7	0

Chisolm's Two-Triple Performance Powers Racers to Series Win in Carbondale

4/26/2026 9:39:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Sam Rhodes

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Murray State Baseball took the series with a Sunday win over Southern Illinois, defeating the Salukis 7-5 behind a four-hit performance from Connor Chisolm that featured two triples.

"Anytime you can come into Carbondale and win a series, that's a tall task." Head coach Dan Skirka said, "Really proud of the guys and the fight they had to come out here on a Sunday winner-take-all."

Connor Chisolm tied his single-game career high with four hits on the day, hitting two triples with three RBI on the day. Chisolm's day marked the first multi-triple performance since Drew Vogel hit two triples vs. Valpariaso March 19, 2022.

"He set the table for us." Skirka said, "When he goes, we go. Sometimes it's by walk, sometimes it's by single, and today the two triples is huge, but when he's getting on in front of those other guys, that's when we have a chance to put up some crooked numbers."

The Racers (26-18, 12-6 MVC) jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Conner Cunningham reached on a fielder's choice to drive in Chisolm. Southern Illinois responded in the bottom half of the frame with two runs.

Murray State regained the lead in the second inning. Chisolm delivered a triple down the right field line that scored Parker Airhart and Colby Ott. The lead grew in the fourth inning after Chisolm drove a triple to right center to score Ott. Chisolm then scored on a groundout by Luke Mistone to give the Racers a five to two advantage.

The Salukis (17-25, 8-7 MVC) began to chip away with a run in the fifth before eventually tying the game in the eighth inning.

The Racers answered in the top of the ninth to reclaim the lead. Kristofer Hokenson reached after being hit by a pitch and eventually scored on a passed ball to put the Racers ahead. Kainen Jorge followed with a single and a stolen base before crossing the plate on a sacrifice fly from Jake Slade.

Dylan Zentko earned the win after tossing one and a third innings of scoreless relief. Zentko allowed one hit and struck out one while shutting down the Salukis in the final frame. Drew Deremer started for the Racers and went four and two-thirds innings with three strikeouts. Reese Oakley also provided three innings of work out of the bullpen.

The Racers will look to continue their momentum as they host Memphis on Tuesday at Johnny Reagan Field.