West Central Reporter

Western Illinois baseball faced a setback in their Thursday night game against Tennessee Tech, losing 6-3 in Cookeville, Tennessee. This defeat brings the Leathernecks' overall record to 6-16 and their Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) play record to 2-2.

The Leathernecks took an early lead when Maxton Polad hit a double down the third base line. Liam Bushey followed with a single, advancing Polad, who was then brought home by Adam Juran's sacrifice fly. However, Tennessee Tech quickly equalized with a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning.

In the second inning, Western Illinois regained their lead after Brock Lummus singled and advanced through subsequent plays. A fielding error by Tennessee Tech allowed Lummus to score, putting WIU ahead 2-1. Despite this effort, Tennessee Tech responded with three runs in their half of the second inning.

WIU's starting pitcher Jason Buhl managed to hold off further scoring from Tennessee Tech for five innings following that burst. The Leathernecks narrowed the gap in the fourth inning when Trevor Leon drove in Lummus with an RBI single after hits from Kyree Alexander and J.R. Heavilin set up the opportunity.

Tennessee Tech sealed their victory with two additional runs in the eighth inning, securing a final score of 6-3 for game one of their series against WIU.

The Leathernecks managed ten hits during the game, with Maxton Polad and J.R. Heavilin achieving multiple hits including extra-base hits. Liam Bushey and Trevor Leon also contributed two hits each while Chris Hege drew WIU's only walk.

The series between WIU and Tennessee Tech is set to continue tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.