West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois baseball team secured an 11-7 victory over Little Rock on Saturday afternoon, tying their win total from the previous season with their 12th victory of the year. The game marked their seventh win in Ohio Valley play.

Tyler Kapraun started strong for the Leathernecks by retiring the first four Trojan batters via strikeout. Little Rock initially took a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but Western Illinois quickly responded. Brock Lummus singled and advanced to third on a wild pitch before Max Slavens doubled to bring him home.

Little Rock regained a one-run lead in the third inning, but Western Illinois center fielder Cesar Franco tied it with a home run off the right field foul pole. With bases loaded, Chris Hege grounded into a double play that allowed Liam Bushey to score, giving WIU a 3-2 lead.

The fourth inning saw Western Illinois extend their lead significantly. Singles by Slavens and Franco set up Bushey for a two-run double, making it 5-2. Kyree Alexander contributed his first RBI of five during the game with a fielder's choice, while an error by Little Rock’s shortstop allowed another run, bringing WIU's lead to 7-2.

Alexander further widened the gap with a grand slam in the fifth inning, pushing Western Illinois' advantage to 11-2. Although Little Rock scored five runs in the ninth inning, Kyle Rosenfeld closed out the game for an 11-7 win.

Kapraun delivered an impressive performance on the mound with seven innings pitched and six strikeouts, allowing only two runs. The team's offense was effective with 13 hits overall. Notable performances included Bushey and Slavens each going 2-for-4 with an RBI; Franco scoring three times and hitting a solo home run; and Alexander driving in five runs total.

Western Illinois will face Little Rock again on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., as they conclude their series.