A self-destructive sixth inning led to the Panthers losing 7-6 to Southeast Missouri St. in first round play of the OVC tournament.

Eastern held a 4-3 advantage going into the top of the sixth, but gave up four runs in the inning while only allowing three hits. Two walks, a hit batsmen and an error helped contribute to SEMO taking the 7-4 lead.

Eastern tried to come back in the seventh as left fielder Mark Chagnon hit a two-run home run to get the Panthers within one.

That, however, was as close as they would get. The Panthers did get the tying run in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth after center fielder Bret Nommensen stole second base with two outs with first baseman Erik Huber at the plate.

The regular season conference hitting leader was then hit by a pitch to put the winning run on first base, but Panther third baseman Ryan Campbell flied out to right field to end the game.

Panther pitching gave up 14 hits to go along with the eight walks and two hit batsmen as SEMO had runners on base throughout the game.

The Panther offense had their six runs on 12 hits, but was not issued a free pass by SEMO starter Anthony Maupin as he went 8 1/3 innings to earn the win.

The Redhawks brought in Josh Parham to get the final two outs and earn the save.

The loss sets up a game with Austin Peay at 11 a.m. Thursday. The Governors lost to Eastern Kentucky 6-3 in the other round one game.

Eastern won all three games against APU during the regular season.

Eastern is still eligible to win the tournament, even with the loss, but they would have to win every game from here on out in order to do so.