A busy week of baseball begins this evening in Keokuk for the Washington Demons (3-4 overall; 2-2 Southeast). The Demons travel south for pair of Southeast Conference battles against the Chiefs (3-6 overall; 1-1 Southeast).

Washington enters the week off back-to-back setbacks to the Fairfield Trojans (4-3 overall; 2-0 Southeast) 5-4 in eight innings and 16-4 in six innings. Senior Blake Weidman collected three singles in the set of games, giving him a team leading 11 hits so far this season.

Sophomore Michael Gier reached base five times on Thursday, collecting a triple, a walk, was hit by a pitch, and scoring two runs in the setback. He also pitched five and a third innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits, walked three, and struck out three other batters in game one for a no-decision.

Keokuk starts the week amid a three game losing streak, including dropping two games against the Muscatine Muskies last Tuesday. Senior Dakota Shaw leads the team with nine base hits this season. Four of senior Austin Almond’s seven hits have been doubles, driving in four batters in the process.

The teams split last year’s season series, but Keokuk outscored the Demons 22-13 in four contests.

First pitch for game one of today’s Southeast Conference doubleheader is set for 5:30 p.m. at Keokuk High School.