West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced a challenging game against Northern Kentucky, resulting in a 17-5 defeat on Sunday afternoon. This outcome moves Western Illinois to a record of 3-10 for the season.

The game started unfavorably for Western Illinois as Northern Kentucky scored eight runs in the first inning and six more in the second, establishing an early lead of 14-0. In response, Western Illinois managed to score two runs in the third inning. Brock Lummus initiated this with a leadoff walk and advanced to third base on Grant Palmer's double. Jackson Horn then brought Lummus home, narrowing the deficit to 14-1. Chris Hege contributed with an RBI sacrifice fly that allowed Palmer to score, making it 14-2.

Northern Kentucky added another run in the bottom of the third, extending their lead back to 13 runs. In the fourth inning, Western Illinois' offense showed signs of life when Liam Bushey hit a leadoff double followed by Kyree Alexander's RBI single, reducing Northern Kentucky's lead to 12 runs. However, Western Illinois struggled offensively over the next two innings while Northern Kentucky increased their advantage to 17-3 after five innings.

During the sixth inning with two outs, Alexander was hit by a pitch which brought J.R. Heavilin up to bat. Heavilin delivered with a two-run home run over the fence, bringing Western Illinois within twelve points at 17-5. Despite loading the bases in the top of the seventh inning, Western Illinois was unable to capitalize further and concluded their game with a loss after seven innings.

Throughout this match-up, seven players from Western Illinois recorded hits with J.R. Heavilin leading in RBIs. Justin Jang and Brock Lummus also earned walks contributing to nine players reaching base during this series finale.

Looking ahead, "The Leathernecks continue their road trip as they will travel to Cincinnati for a two-game series on Tuesday and Wednesday."