West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois baseball team faced a defeat against Eastern Illinois, losing 4-1 on Friday afternoon at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium. This result brings the Leathernecks to a 6-19 record for the season and 2-5 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Eastern Illinois initiated the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning. Western Illinois tied it up in the second inning when Brock Lummus was hit by a pitch, advanced to second on J.R. Heavilin's ground ball, and scored from Trevor Leon's hit into left field.

Both teams' offenses slowed as pitching improved. Jason Buhl delivered a strong performance for WIU with seven strikeouts over seven innings, allowing only two runs. However, EIU added another run in the sixth inning to lead 2-1.

In the eighth inning, down 3-1, WIU had their best chance for a comeback. Chris Hege reached base due to an error and advanced on a wild pitch. Kyree Alexander followed with an infield hit that moved Hege to third base. Unfortunately for WIU, they couldn't capitalize further as a strikeout and double play ended their scoring opportunity.

Western Illinois had four different players reach base during the game. Kyree Alexander stood out with two hits and a walk, reaching base three times out of four at-bats. Trevor Leon also reached safely twice through a single and being hit by a pitch. Brock Lummus scored after being hit by a pitch, while Adam Juran contributed with a double.

Due to potential weather issues on Sunday, Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois will conclude their series tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 11:30 a.m.