West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced a challenging game against New Mexico State, ultimately losing 10-8 in a high-scoring match on Saturday night. The Leathernecks began the game strong with an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to Tyler Large's home run. However, New Mexico State quickly responded with two runs in the second inning.

The Leathernecks regained their lead with a three-run fourth inning, highlighted by Krayton Morse's play that scored two runs due to an error by the Aggies. Despite these efforts, New Mexico State took control of the game with multi-run innings in both the fifth and sixth, capitalizing on extra-base hits including home runs and a triple.

Tyler Large was notable at bat for Western Illinois, achieving three hits from six attempts, scoring twice and driving in two RBIs. Krayton Morse added a double and two RBIs, while Liam Bushey contributed with two hits and an RBI.

Pitcher Harrison Dubois started for Western Illinois, pitching 1.2 innings and allowing two earned runs. Relief pitcher Jason Buhl struck out five over 2.1 innings, while Billy Humphrey allowed two runs over his two innings on the mound.

Despite leaving 16 runners on base throughout the game, Western Illinois had opportunities to score more but couldn't capitalize fully. In the ninth inning, they loaded the bases with two outs but failed to score further.

The series will conclude tomorrow afternoon with another matchup between Western Illinois and New Mexico State scheduled for noon.

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