West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced Southeast Missouri State in a high-scoring game at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium. The Redhawks won the match, tying the series 1-1 after an eleven-inning contest that saw a total of 26 runs.

The Leathernecks began strong with senior pitcher Tyler Kapraun striking out three batters in the first inning. Adam Juran and Cesar Franco's efforts gave Western a two-run lead, followed by J.R. Heavilin's home run, increasing their advantage to three runs.

Southeast Missouri State responded in the third inning with four runs, but Western Illinois managed to tie the game in the fifth inning through doubles from Heavilin and Chris Hege. Adam Juran hit a grand slam, pushing WIU ahead 8-4.

SEMO narrowed the gap with home runs in the sixth and tied it again in the seventh inning. In response, Max Slavens and Trevor Leon reached scoring positions due to a wild pitch, allowing Juran to bring them home with a single for a two-run lead.

In the ninth inning, SEMO leveled the score once more, forcing extra innings. Despite Cesar Franco's second home run of the game tying it up again in the tenth inning, Western couldn't capitalize on their opportunities.

The Redhawks ultimately secured victory by scoring four runs in the eleventh inning while Western's offense fell short despite Juran's fifth hit of the day. The final score was 15-11 after four hours of play.

The teams will face off again on Sunday at noon for a decisive match as Western aims for an important series win.