West Central Reporter

Friday's baseball game between Western Illinois and SEMO ended with a significant win for the Leathernecks. Facing one of the leading teams in the Ohio Valley Conference, Western Illinois (13-32 overall, 8-14 in OVC) emerged victorious with a 7-5 score in Macomb. This victory is crucial for WIU as they aim to secure a spot in the OVC Tournament.

Jason Buhl, now holding a 3-8 record, pitched six innings to earn the win. He was followed by Mason Telford and Caden Kratz, who together pitched three innings without allowing any runs and struck out four batters. Kratz completed the final two innings, achieving his ninth save of the season.

The Leathernecks took an early lead when Cesar Franco hit a home run, making it 1-0. Although SEMO equalized in the second inning, Western Illinois responded with four two-out runs to lead 5-1. Max Slavens tripled to bring home Brock Lummus and Chris Hege, while Adam Juran doubled to score Slavens. Following Franco's walk, Liam Bushey singled to bring Juran home.

SEMO managed to tie the game again in the fourth inning; however, Juran's solo home run restored WIU's lead. The Leathernecks added another run in the fifth when J.R. Heavilin doubled and later scored on wild pitches. Both Juran and Bushey recorded two hits each for WIU, while Slavens and Juran drove in two runs apiece.

Western Illinois' defense proved strong as they prevented SEMO from capitalizing on their opportunities, leaving 11 runners stranded on base. The teams are set to face off again on Saturday at 1 p.m., marking Senior Day for Western Illinois.