West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced a setback in their recent series against Tennessee Tech, losing the final game 12-8. This defeat places WIU at an overall record of 6-18 and 2-4 in Ohio Valley play.

The Leathernecks made an early offensive move during Saturday's game. Chris Hege initiated with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Maxton Polad capitalized by driving in Hege, giving WIU a 1-0 lead.

Tennessee Tech quickly responded, equalizing the score at 1-1 in the first inning. The Leathernecks reclaimed the lead in the second inning as Brock Lummus hit a double and J.R. Heavilin followed with a two-run homer, pushing WIU ahead 3-1.

However, Tennessee Tech took control in the third inning, scoring seven runs to lead 8-3. They continued their momentum into the fourth inning, adding three more runs for an 11-3 advantage.

After a scoreless fifth inning, WIU attempted a comeback in the sixth. Adam Juran doubled to start the inning, and Kyree Alexander was hit by a pitch. Both advanced on another wild pitch before Lummus drove Juran home with a single. Heavilin added another RBI with his single, while Trevor Leon reloaded the bases with his own hit. Jackson Horn was hit by a pitch for an RBI, followed by Chris Hege's RBI ground out reducing Tennessee Tech's lead to 11-7. Grant Palmer completed WIU's five-run inning by bringing Leon home.

Tennessee Tech scored their final run in the eighth inning, securing their victory over Western Illinois at 12-8.

WIU recorded nine hits throughout the game, including several extra-base hits. Notably, both J.R. Heavilin and Brock Lummus went two-for-three at bat; Heavilin contributed three RBIs while Lummus added one more for his team.