West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois baseball team faced a challenging game against Saint Louis, resulting in a 14-4 defeat in seven innings on Tuesday afternoon. This outcome brings the Leathernecks' season record to 3-7.

In the initial stages of the game, Western Illinois showed promise by getting their leadoff runner on base during the first three innings. Chris Hege began with a walk and advanced to second following Maxton Polad's single. Liam Bushey then brought Hege home through a fielder's choice, giving WIU an early 1-0 lead. Kyree Alexander contributed another run for WIU with a ground into fielder's choice.

Pitcher Kyle Rosenfeld kept the Billikens scoreless over his two innings on the mound. In the second inning, WIU added another run when Trevor Leon walked and moved to second via Grant Palmer's sacrifice bunt. Hege reached base again with a single, though Leon was thrown out at home plate during this play. Hege proceeded to second and scored after Polad singled down the right-field line, pushing WIU ahead with a 3-0 lead after two innings.

Despite Saint Louis tying the game at 3-3, WIU briefly regained their lead thanks to J.R. Heavilin's leadoff double in an inning that ended with Grant Palmer’s RBI ground out bringing him home for a 4-3 advantage.

However, Saint Louis surged ahead by scoring eleven runs over four innings, securing their victory at 14-4.

Chris Hege and Maxton Polad were key players for WIU with each recording two hits; Hege also reached base three times including one walk while Polad contributed an RBI and scored once. Overall, Western Illinois managed six hits and five walks during the game.