West Central Reporter

Southern Indiana overpowered Western Illinois in the final game of the regular season, defeating them 10-3. The Leathernecks ended their season with a 13-37 overall record and an 8-19 mark in their first year competing in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Adam Juran initiated a promising start for Western Illinois by hitting a single at the beginning of the first inning. Following this, Liam Bushey hit his first double of the day, advancing Juran to third base. However, consecutive fielder's choices prevented the Leathernecks from scoring in that inning.

Western Illinois managed to score first when Brock Lummus hit a solo home run over the center field fence. Southern Indiana then responded with ten consecutive runs over four innings, leaving Western Illinois trailing 10-1 after five innings.

The Leathernecks' offense remained quiet until the eighth inning when they scored two more runs. Cesar Franco singled to right field before Bushey hit a fastball 390 feet to center field for a two-run home run, reducing the deficit to 10-3.

Liam Bushey was instrumental for Western Illinois' offense, securing three hits in four at-bats and contributing two RBIs and doubles. Kyree Alexander also had multiple hits, going 2-for-4 at bat. Adam Juran, Cesar Franco, and Brock Lummus each added one hit for Western Illinois.