West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team faced a narrow defeat in their home opener against Illinois State, losing 5-4 on Thursday afternoon at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium. The Leathernecks, now holding a record of 4-9, initially took the lead with Matt Olive's home run in the second inning. Olive had an impressive performance, finishing the game with three hits and two runs scored.

The Leathernecks extended their lead in the third inning when Liam Bushey's sacrifice fly brought Paul Osting home. However, Illinois State responded strongly in the fifth inning with a three-run surge to take a 4-2 lead. Western Illinois fought back in the sixth inning; Kyree Alexander hit an RBI double after consecutive singles, and Trevor Leon's sacrifice fly tied the game at 4-4.

Jorge Romero started on the mound for Western Illinois, pitching five innings and allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out four batters. Despite turning to their bullpen in the sixth inning, Western Illinois could not prevent Illinois State from scoring a decisive run in the seventh.

In the final innings, Western Illinois had opportunities to score but left runners stranded on base in both the eighth and ninth innings, totaling 11 runners left on base throughout the game.

The Leathernecks will face Illinois State again tomorrow afternoon for their final home game of this series against the Redbirds. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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