West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University (WIU) baseball team secured their eleventh victory of the season with a win against Little Rock, ending the Trojans' eight-game winning streak. The game concluded with a score of 8-6 in favor of WIU, with significant contributions from players Brock Lummus and Frederick Romano.

In the early stages of the game, WIU took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Tyler Large contributed an RBI single, followed by a bases-loaded walk from Kenneth Perez and Large scoring from third base on a double play. Little Rock responded by tying the game at 3 in the bottom of the second inning.

Frederick Romano was pivotal for WIU, delivering a strong performance by allowing only two hits and striking out four over his final four innings, marking his third win of the season. Romano pitched six innings, conceding three runs on seven hits and achieving five strikeouts.

Offensively, WIU added to their lead in the fourth inning when Kyree Alexander hit a double, followed by Brock Lummus with a two-run homer, bringing the score to 5-3. Further runs were scored in the sixth and eighth innings, including contributions from Wandel Campana, Paul Osting, and Cordell Coburn.

Despite a comeback attempt from Little Rock in the eighth inning, cutting the WIU lead to 8-6, WIU held firm. A crucial play in the ninth inning involved a video review challenge by WIU's head coach Terry Davis, overturning an initial safe call.

Eric Rawlings was brought in with two outs in the ninth inning and effectively closed the game, securing his first save of the season after only four pitches.

Throughout the game, the Leathernecks amassed 12 hits. Brock Lummus, notable for his game-winning home run, went 2-5. Cordell Coburn also had a strong outing, finishing 2-3 with two singles and an RBI.

The Leathernecks will next face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Tuesday night in Iowa City. The game is scheduled to start at 6:02 p.m.

For more information and updates on Leatherneck Baseball, fans can visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow the team on social media platforms.