West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced a challenging game against Saint Louis, losing 17-4 in the second match of their three-game series. This result brings the Leathernecks' season record to 1-4.

Caden Kratz had a strong start on Saturday, achieving two strikeouts in two scoreless innings. In the fourth inning, Chris Hege drew a one-out walk while trailing 1-0. Jackson Horn advanced Hege to third with a single, and Grant Palmer loaded the bases with another walk. Maxton Polad continued his impressive season by hitting a double that cleared the bases and put Western Illinois ahead 3-1.

However, Saint Louis's offense gained momentum as Western Illinois struggled to maintain their lead. Saint Louis extended their advantage to 17-3 before Western Illinois managed to score again in the ninth inning when Steven Walsh drove in Liam Bushey.

Overall, Western Illinois' offense recorded seven hits during the game, with Chris Hege contributing two of them. Maxton Polad was responsible for the team's only extra-base hit with his double. Caden Kratz completed 3.2 innings on the mound, allowing just one run and striking out four batters.