West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's baseball team began their Ohio Valley Conference play with a decisive 15-5 victory over Southern Indiana at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium. The Leathernecks set the pace early, scoring five runs in the first inning. Tyler Large was instrumental in this performance, achieving three hits in four at-bats, including a home run and contributing three RBIs and three runs.

Liam Bushey also contributed significantly with three hits and two RBIs. Matt Olive, Krayton Morse, and Brock Lummus added to the offensive effort with multiple hits each, maintaining pressure on Southern Indiana's pitchers.

The Leathernecks expanded their lead with four more runs in the fifth inning, followed by two in the sixth and another four-run surge in the seventh inning. By this point, Western Illinois had established firm control of the game.

On the mound, WIU's pitching staff limited Southern Indiana to five runs from eight hits while striking out six batters and allowing only four walks. The defense supported this effort effectively by avoiding errors and executing a crucial double play in the sixth inning. Max Tripure earned the win as starting pitcher by completing seven innings with only four hits allowed, two runs given up, and two strikeouts.

This victory brings Western Illinois' record to 6-12 for the season and marks their first win in conference play. They will face Southern Indiana again tomorrow afternoon for game two of their series.

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