West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced a challenging doubleheader against the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, resulting in two losses on Saturday. The Leathernecks fell 17-7 in the first game and, despite leading midway through the second game, ultimately lost 19-9. This leaves Western Illinois with an overall record of 4-14.

The opening game saw Chris Hege start strong with a walk, followed by Kyree Alexander moving him to second base. However, the team couldn't capitalize further as the next three batters were retired. Iowa gained momentum with four runs over four innings, taking a 4-0 lead into the fifth inning.

In response, Western Illinois' offense picked up in the fifth inning when Grant Palmer reached on an error and Max Slavens walked. Chris Hege drove in their first run with a single down the right-field line. With bases loaded after Kyree Alexander was hit by a pitch and Liam Bushey also hit by a pitch for an RBI, Adam Juran contributed with a fielder's choice grounder bringing another run home. Brock Lummus then delivered a three-run homer to give WIU a temporary lead at 6-4.

However, Iowa regained control by tying in the fifth inning and scoring three more runs in the sixth. Despite efforts from WIU to close the gap with contributions from J.R. Heavilin and others, Iowa secured their victory by adding eight more runs across two innings.

In game two, WIU initially took charge with early walks from Chris Hege and Kyree Alexander followed by singles that led to loading bases and earning an initial lead of 1-0 after half an inning. Though Iowa quickly responded with four runs in their half of the first inning, WIU fought back over subsequent innings including RBIs from players like Grant Palmer and Justin Jang.

Despite maintaining competitiveness into later stages—highlighted by Alexander’s two-run homer which extended their lead briefly—Iowa's relentless scoring eventually resulted in another loss for Western Illinois at 19-9.

The Leathernecks will now focus on returning to Alfred D. Boyer Stadium as they prepare for Ohio Valley Conference play against UT Martin.