West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced Eastern Kentucky in a doubleheader on Saturday, resulting in a split outcome. The Leathernecks secured a 5-3 victory in the first game but were defeated 4-0 in the second. This brings Western Illinois' overall record to 2-6 for the season.

In the opening game, Western Illinois initially trailed 3-0 before rallying in the fourth inning. Liam Bushey reached base via a fielder's choice, and Kyree Alexander hit a triple that allowed Bushey to score WIU's first run. Further singles by Grant Palmer and Trevor Leon set up Chris Hege to drive Palmer home with a sacrifice bunt, reducing the deficit to 3-2. Maxton Polad then doubled, bringing Leon home and tying the game at 3-3.

Jason Buhl maintained stability from the mound, ensuring no further runs were scored by Eastern Kentucky through efficient pitching in subsequent innings. In the seventh inning, Polad initiated another offensive push with a single that moved Hege into scoring position. Adam Juran followed with a single that brought Hege home, giving WIU a 4-3 lead.

The Leathernecks' bullpen proved effective, with Billy Humphrey delivering a scoreless seventh inning and Caden Kratz securing the save over two scoreless innings. Polad added an insurance run in the ninth inning with a solo home run, sealing the game at 5-3.

However, Western Illinois struggled offensively in Game Two. The team managed only one baserunner through four innings and fell behind 4-0 early on. J.R. Heavilin ended Eastern Kentucky's no-hit bid with a single in the fifth inning, while WIU had their best opportunity to score during the sixth inning when they loaded the bases but failed to capitalize.

Despite Maxton Polad leading his team with three hits across both games and contributing two RBIs, Western Illinois could not overcome Eastern Kentucky's pitching dominance in Game Two.

The Leathernecks will return to action against Eastern Kentucky tomorrow at noon for their next matchup.