CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Southern Illinois University’s baseball team begins its 2026 season on the road this weekend, with a revised schedule that now opens against Queens (N.C.) in Charlotte on Friday at 3 p.m. CT. The Salukis were originally slated to face North Carolina A&T in Hickory, N.C., but will now grab on the Royals to kick off their campaign.
The team is coming off a historic 2025 season, ranking 25th nationally in runs scored with 500, and leading the Missouri Valley Conference with 8.8 runs per game. They also set a program record with 113 home runs. Southern Illinois was picked to finish second in the MVC preseason poll, trailing only Murray State.
Head coach Lance Rhodes is in his seventh season, having guided the Salukis to consecutive 40-win seasons in 2021, and 2022. He enters the weekend three wins shy of reaching 200 career victories at SIU. Rhodes’ teams are known for their offensive firepower and a willingness to integrate new players, with the 2026 roster featuring a mix of experienced veterans and newcomers.
The Salukis dropped their first three games of the season at Oral Roberts, losing Friday’s contest 4-2, followed by setbacks of 1-0 and 6-2 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Freshman Kye Watson showed promise in the series, going 5-for-11 at the plate with two solo home runs. Charlie Miller also made a strong debut, pitching three scoreless innings in Friday’s game.
The pitching staff will lean on returning arms like Meade Johnson, a weekend starter, and reliever Dylan Petrey. Andrew Evans, a transfer from Kansas State, is scheduled to start Friday’s game against Queens and is expected to be a key contributor, possessing a fastball that reaches the mid-90s.
Six Salukis were named to the MVC Players to Watch list: J.T. Weber, Brady Bowers, Michael Mylott, Dylan Petrey, Cade Orgeron, and Kye Watson. Mylott and Petrucelli are expected to lead the offense, building on last year’s success.
Following the series against Queens, Southern Illinois will continue its road trip with a Sunday matchup against Appalachian State in Boone, N.C., at 12 p.m. CT.
