West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois baseball team faced a setback in their post-season aspirations with an 8-1 defeat against Southern Indiana's Screaming Eagles. This loss places WIU at a season record of 13-35.

In the initial innings, the Leathernecks struggled to get hits and baserunners, managing only two runners on base in the first four innings. Trailing 6-0, WIU saw their best chance in the fifth inning when Chris Hege walked and advanced to third on Trevor Leon's single. Despite loading the bases after Adam Juran was hit by a pitch, WIU couldn't score as a strikeout ended the inning.

Southern Indiana extended their lead with two more runs in the seventh inning, bringing the score to 8-0. In the ninth inning, WIU avoided a shutout when Kyree Alexander and Hege both walked, setting up Brock Lummus for an RBI single that scored their lone run.

WIU managed three hits throughout the game, drew four walks as a team, and Juran was hit by pitches twice. Mason Telford made history by pitching an inning out of relief, setting a new school record for single-game appearances with 32.

The series between Western Illinois and Southern Indiana will continue tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.