West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University baseball team suffered a 6-1 defeat against Northern Kentucky on Saturday. The loss brings WIU's overall record to 3-9 for the season.

Northern Kentucky took an early lead in the first inning with two hits, scoring one run. Chris Hege provided WIU's first hit in the third inning with a single, but Northern Kentucky extended their lead with another run in the same inning.

Cesar Franco put WIU on the scoreboard with a solo home run, his third of the season, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, Northern Kentucky continued their offensive efforts, adding four more runs over three innings, leaving WIU trailing 6-1 by the end of the sixth inning.

WIU attempted to rally in the final innings. Kyree Alexander hit a single in the seventh inning. In the eighth, Hege initiated a two-out rally with his second single of the game, followed by Maxton Polad's single that advanced Hege to third base due to an error. The inning ended without further scoring as WIU struck out.

In the ninth inning, Adam Juran walked but was caught stealing second base. Liam Bushey managed a single and advanced to second on a ground out but was left stranded as WIU grounded out to conclude their effort at 6-1.

Chris Hege stood out with two hits from four at-bats. Both Liam Bushey and Kyree Alexander reached base twice through a hit and a walk each. Cesar Franco earned an RBI with his home run contribution. Kyle Rosenfeld delivered five strikeouts during his three innings of relief pitching.

Western Illinois will complete its three-game series against Northern Kentucky tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m.