West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University secured a narrow victory over the University of Cincinnati in a high-scoring baseball game on Tuesday night, ending with a score of 12-11. The Leathernecks' offense was strong early on, scoring 11 runs in the first five innings. A decisive RBI single by Liam Bushey in the ninth inning clinched the win for Western Illinois, improving their overall record to 4-10.

The game began with Cincinnati taking an early lead of 3-0 in the first inning. Western Illinois responded in the second inning when Liam Bushey walked and eventually scored, contributing to a tied score of 3-3 after Chris Hege's two-run hit. Maxton Polad's fielder's choice put WIU ahead at 4-3.

Cincinnati regained control briefly with two runs in the bottom of the second, but Bushey's home run leveled the score again at 5-5. Further contributions from Chris Hege and Cesar Franco helped extend WIU's lead to 8-5.

Despite Cincinnati tying it up again at eight runs each by the third inning, Western Illinois managed to pull ahead once more with strategic plays including walks and stolen bases by Bushey and Brock Lummus. However, Cincinnati fought back with a two-run homer that gave them a temporary lead after four innings.

In response, WIU tied it up again thanks to an RBI single from Franco and further hits by Kyree Alexander and Bushey which restored their lead at 11-10. Although both teams had opportunities to score in subsequent innings, they remained tied until Bushey's critical hit brought Grant Palmer home for what would be the winning run.

Cincinnati threatened late in the ninth inning by loading the bases without outs but failed to capitalize as Caden Kratz successfully closed out the game for WIU.

Bushey was instrumental throughout, achieving four hits out of four attempts along with three RBIs. Cesar Franco also contributed significantly with two hits and three RBIs while Chris Hege added three RBIs on his own.

The Leathernecks' bullpen played a crucial role; Jacob Greenan, Kyle Rosenfeld, and Kratz combined efforts over five innings allowing only one run between them while striking out four batters. Rosenfeld earned his first win this season while Kratz secured a save.

Both teams are set to meet again for game two of their series on Wednesday afternoon.