West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced a tough loss against Southern Indiana on Friday night, despite a late-game effort. The Leathernecks left the bases loaded in the ninth inning and fell to the Screaming Eagles with a final score of 5-3. This defeat brought WIU's season record to 13-36.

The game started positively for WIU as Adam Juran hit a double down the left field line, putting him in scoring position. Liam Bushey followed with an RBI single, giving WIU an early 1-0 lead after the first inning.

WIU extended their lead in the third inning when Kyree Alexander scored from second base on an infield single by Brock Lummus. The play resulted from a fielder's choice and subsequent single by Chris Hege, doubling WIU's advantage to 2-0.

Southern Indiana responded with a run in the bottom of the third inning. However, Tyler Kapraun managed to keep WIU ahead with consecutive one-two-three innings until USI scored two runs each in the sixth and eighth innings, taking a 5-2 lead into the ninth.

In their last at-bat, WIU attempted a comeback. After two outs, Bushey singled and advanced when J.R. Heavilin was hit by a pitch. Alexander then delivered an RBI single, and Hege followed with another single that moved the tying run to second base. Unfortunately for WIU, their rally ended with a strikeout.

Despite outhitting Southern Indiana 13-8, WIU couldn't secure victory. Notable performances included Alexander going 4-for-5 with an RBI and Juran reaching base four times through three walks and his earlier double. Bushey and Hege also contributed multiple hits.

WIU will conclude their season tomorrow against Southern Indiana at 1:00 p.m.