West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team is set to conclude its regular season with a series against Southern Indiana in Evansville from May 16-18. Several players are on the brink of breaking records, including Caden Kratz, Mason Telford, and Cesar Franco. Kratz needs one more save to secure the top spot for saves in a regular season. Telford is aiming to set a new single-season appearance record with one more outing, while Franco requires two home runs this weekend to lead the list for most home runs in a season.

The team's postseason hopes hinge on sweeping Southern Indiana. If they finish with an 11-16 record, they need Lindenwood to sweep Eastern Illinois or Eastern Illinois to win at least two out of three games against Lindenwood. Either scenario would result in Western Illinois tying with Southern Indiana and winning head-to-head.

Jason Buhl was named Ohio Valley Pitcher of the Week after pitching a complete game last Saturday, marking Western Illinois' first such recognition since joining the OVC. Buhl's performance helped the team allow the fewest runs in a three-game series since 2014.

Cesar Franco hit a decisive home run against SIUE last Sunday, leading Western Illinois to a 7-6 victory. Liam Bushey and J.R. Heavilin have been key offensive players recently, with Bushey tying program records and Heavilin consistently reaching base.

Adam Juran achieved his 100th career hit over the weekend and was named Ohio Valley Player of the Week earlier this year. Head Coach Terry Davis secured his first win as head coach earlier this season.

Western Illinois joined the Ohio Valley Conference on July 1st and will be wearing new uniforms donated by their 1974 Hall of Fame Baseball team during this upcoming series. The Leatherneck Baseball team raised over $18,000 at their First Pitch Dinner event in February to support various aspects of their program.

This season marks the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Western Illinois' 1974 Hall of Fame team that made it to NCAA regional tournaments and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2019.