West Central Reporter

In a closely contested game with multiple lead changes, the Western Illinois University (WIU) Baseball team concluded their regular season with a 9-7 loss against Eastern Illinois University (EIU) on Saturday. This defeat resulted in the Leathernecks' elimination from the Ohio Valley Conference tournament, finishing just half a game short of securing the eighth seed with a 9-18 conference record.

Harrison Dubois made his first conference start for WIU, pitching five innings and conceding three runs on six hits while striking out two batters. Despite allowing an early two-run triple that put EIU ahead, Dubois managed to stabilize and keep WIU competitive by throwing two scoreless innings thereafter.

The Leathernecks took an initial lead in the second inning with Tyler Large hitting a solo home run. The back-and-forth continued as WIU tied the game again in the fifth inning when Liam Bushey hit an RBI single following Kyree Alexander's advance to third base due to an error.

EIU consistently responded each time WIU scored or tied, eventually taking control of the game in the sixth inning by scoring four runs to establish a 7-3 lead. Although WIU attempted comebacks in both the seventh and eighth innings, reducing EIU's lead to 9-7, they were unable to complete their rally.

Offensively, Liam Bushey was notable with three RBIs and two hits. Kyree Alexander contributed significantly as well, achieving three singles and scoring three runs. Tyler Large also had strong performance metrics with a home run and double among his contributions.

Despite missing out on postseason play, WIU showed progress this season with their highest win totals since 2019 across various categories including overall wins, conference wins, and home victories. The team aims to build on these achievements heading into next year’s season.

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