West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University (WIU) baseball team ended an eight-game losing streak by defeating Tennessee Tech, 8-1, on Monday afternoon. Jorge Romero played a key role for the Leathernecks, pitching six innings and allowing one run on six hits, while striking out three. Jason Buhl contributed by pitching three scoreless innings, allowing one hit, and striking out two, to earn his first save of the season.

WIU began scoring in the bottom of the first inning, led by a double from Liam Bushey, followed by Tyler Large’s RBI groundout. Tennessee Tech tied the game in the fourth inning, but WIU responded with Krayton Morse’s single and Tyler Large's infield single. Paul Osting's walk loaded the bases for Brock Lummus, who delivered an RBI sacrifice fly to regain the lead for the Leathernecks.

In the fifth inning, Justin Bogard hit a double, advanced by Trevor Leon’s sacrifice bunt, and scored on an RBI single by Bushey. During the seventh inning, WIU added five runs, beginning with Leon's single and walks by Bushey and Morse. Following a balk by Tennessee Tech’s pitcher, Leon scored, and Bushey scored on a wild pitch. Osting and Kyree Alexander each contributed RBI singles to increase the lead.

Offensively, Bushey and Osting led WIU with Bushey going 2-4 with one RBI and two runs, and Osting going 2-3. The team tallied nine hits and drew four walks. Defensively, they turned two double plays without errors.

WIU will face Bradley on Wednesday for an in-state contest. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m.

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