West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University Baseball faced a setback against Southern Illinois, losing 6-3 in Carbondale. The Leathernecks, with a record of 5-12, struggled initially as Southern Illinois (13-6) established an early lead at Itchy Jones Stadium.

Southern Illinois took charge in the third inning, scoring three runs and added another in the fourth to secure a 4-0 advantage. Western Illinois had difficulty generating offense early on, failing to score in the initial innings. The breakthrough came in the fifth when Brock Lummus initiated with a walk, followed by Trevor Leon's double. Lummus eventually scored through an RBI hit from Liam Bushey.

In the sixth inning, momentum shifted slightly for WIU as Brock Lummus hit a two-run home run, reducing the deficit to 4-3. Lummus ended the game going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk.

Jorge Romero started on the mound for WIU, delivering two scoreless innings with four strikeouts. However, despite utilizing nine different pitchers throughout the game, WIU couldn't contain SIU's offense.

The Leathernecks will next face Southern Indiana at home as they begin conference play on Friday at 2 p.m.

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