West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team is set to face in-state rival Illinois State on Wednesday, marking their second matchup of the season. The Leathernecks and Redbirds have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to 1925, with Illinois State leading the series 91-76-1.

J.R. Heavilin has made his mark as the team's designated hitter, showcasing impressive stats against Tennessee Tech with a .556 batting average. Western Illinois has maintained a pattern of close victories, winning all six games this season by two runs or less.

Catchers Adam Juran and Brock Lummus performed well against UT Martin, contributing significantly to the team's success. Lummus achieved a notable leadoff double in a crucial comeback win, while Juran's consistent performance earned him Ohio Valley Player of the Week honors.

Caden Kratz continues to excel as Western Illinois' closer, ranking third in NCAA baseball for saves. Meanwhile, Liam Bushey has been pivotal in recent games, especially during a win against Cincinnati.

The Leathernecks celebrated their first victory over a Big 12 opponent since 2009 by defeating Cincinnati 12-11. This victory marked another milestone following their entry into the Ohio Valley Conference on July 1st.

Head Coach Terry Davis secured his first win against Austin Peay earlier this year, becoming the first head coach since 1955 to start with a victory at Western Illinois.

In addition to on-field achievements, the team raised over $18,000 at their First Pitch Dinner event to support various program needs. They also received new uniforms funded by donations from the 1974 Hall of Fame Baseball team as part of its 50th-anniversary celebration.

This season also marks the commemoration of Western Illinois Baseball's historic 1974 team that reached the NCAA Division II Mideast Regional tournament and was later inducted into the university's Hall of Fame.