Eastern pitcher Troy Barton was one out away from picking up his third save of the season, but the Panthers never got the third out in the ninth inning, as Southern Illinois-Carbondale won 3-2 Tuesday night at the Richard “Itchy” Jones Stadium.

After junior Adam Casson gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead in the top of the ninth inning with an RBI-single to left field that brought in senior Tyler Schweigert, Southern’s Cody Daily delivered a game-winning double, which drove in Matt Jones.

Eastern’s losing extend to three with the loss, putting the Panthers at 4-16 overall this season, while the Salukis’ winning streak went to three, improving to 11-8 overall.

Southern pitchers allowed two hits all game, but they were enough to win on a day when the wind was gusting in from the outfield, Eastern coach Jim Schmitz said.

“The wind was gusting in at about 30 mph, so we knew it was going to be a low-scoring game from the beginning,” he said. “We didn’t hit well, but we scored enough to win that’s what it’s all about.”

The Panthers had two outs in the ninth inning, as Schweigert stood at first base. As he took his lead, Southern pitcher Kyle Pauly threw a wild pitch, which allowed Schweigert to advance into scoring position.

Casson then knocked in the go-ahead run for Eastern, as the left-handed hitter battled the left-handed pitcher to a full count.

The Eastern rally began with a two-out walk to Schweigert. Schmitz said Eastern was given breaks, but needs to learn how to protect leads.

“A ball in the dirt and a base hit – we got a lucky break, but we have to go out there and protect the lead,” Schmitz said. “It would be different if it was young kids or whatever, but we just have to learn how to hold leads.”

Barton entered the bottom of the ninth inning, following four Eastern pitchers that combined to throw eight innings, allowing one run to the Salukis.

Senior Ryan Rosthenhausler began the comeback for Southern, leading off the ninth with a single. He was then sacrificed over to second base on a bunt.

Barton then recorded an out via a groundout that resulted in Rosthenhausler advancing to third base.

On a 2-2 pitch, Jones hit a single down the right-field line to tie the game at two. On the third pitch of the next at bat, Daily clobbered Barton’s offering down the left-field line.

Jones raced around the bases, scoring the winning run or the Salukis.

“Troy wasn’t making quality pitches – three hits in 0.2 innings, you have to just come in and close the game,” Schmitz said.

Southern had 12 hits to Eastern’s two, as the Salukis stranded 11 runners on base.

Eastern freshman Jake Haberer started on the mound for the Panthers. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk.

The Panthers will play their first home games, hosting IPFW starting at 3 p.m. Friday at Coaches Stadium.

“We have to hold leads and we haven’t been lately – we’re going to be back at home and it’s going to be fun and it’s going to be fun to at least be at home,” Schmitz said. “Hopefully we can start to figure this stuff out.”

Aldo Soto can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]