West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois baseball team faced a challenging game against Morehead State on Sunday afternoon, resulting in a 16-5 loss. The defeat came during the rubber match of their series, with the Eagles gaining an early advantage by scoring eight runs in the first two innings. This result leaves Western Illinois with a record of 7-23 overall and 3-9 in Ohio Valley play.

Morehead State took control early, scoring five runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second to establish an 8-0 lead. Western Illinois responded in the third inning when Cesar Franco hit his first home run of the weekend, reducing the deficit to 8-1.

The Eagles continued to extend their lead by adding single runs in both the third and fourth innings, bringing the score to 10-1. In response, Western Illinois used home runs effectively again in the fifth inning. J.R. Heavilin initiated this effort with a single up the middle, followed by Brock Lummus with another single. Kyree Alexander then hit a three-run home run to right field, narrowing Morehead State's lead to six at 10-4.

However, Morehead State widened their lead significantly during a six-run sixth inning, making it 16-4. Western Illinois managed to add one more run in the seventh inning as Brock Lummus singled and advanced around the bases due to three consecutive wild pitches from Morehead State.

Brock Lummus was notable for his performance on offense for Western Illinois, scoring two runs and achieving a perfect 3-for-3 at-bat record while also reaching base after being hit by a pitch. Trevor Leon also had success at bat with two hits out of four attempts. Both Cesar Franco and Kyree Alexander contributed home runs during this series finale.