West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University (WIU) Baseball faced a setback in a mid-week encounter against Bradley University, falling 5-2 in Peoria, Illinois on Wednesday night. Despite taking an early lead, WIU could not hold off a strong sixth-inning performance by Bradley.

Both teams remained scoreless for the initial four innings. WIU's Jackson Rodgers started on the mound, allowing just two hits and striking out one over two innings. Karsten Stotlar took over in the third inning, maintaining defensive pressure by giving up only one hit over two frames.

Kenneth Perez put WIU on the scoreboard in the fifth inning with a solo home run to left field. Perez, contributing significantly to WIU's offense, ended the night with three hits. WIU extended their lead to 2-0 in the sixth inning following consecutive doubles by Liam Bushey and Krayton Morse.

However, Bradley turned the game around in the bottom of the sixth with a pivotal grand slam, adding five runs to seize control. Although WIU had opportunities in the seventh and ninth innings, they failed to capitalize.

WIU looks ahead to a three-game series against UT Martin in Tennessee this weekend as part of their Ohio Valley Conference schedule.

For more information, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow the team on social media platforms.