Western Illinois University’s Leathernecks baseball team secured a series win against the Akron Zips during their weekend games in Millington, Tennessee. The Leathernecks, who compete at the NCAA Division I level and are members of the Ohio Valley Conference according to their official website, won two out of three games with strong offensive displays.
In the first game on Friday, Western Illinois scored 16 runs on 19 hits, winning 16-8. Liam Bushey led with six RBIs and two hits, while Isaiah Monge contributed three hits and two RBIs. Krayton Morse and Tyler Large each hit home runs and drove in two runs apiece. Joe Connolly added three hits from the top of the lineup. Max Tripure earned the win as starting pitcher, striking out three over five innings.
The second game saw Western Illinois lose 5-0 to Akron. The team was limited to three hits despite drawing five walks but left ten runners stranded on base. Joe Connolly, Josh McClintock, and Krayton Morse each recorded a hit for WIU. Akron broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning and extended their lead later in the game. Western Illinois starter Jason Buhl allowed only one earned run over five innings with three strikeouts before relief pitching gave up four more runs.
On Sunday, Western Illinois finished the series with a 10-6 victory over Akron. Gage Hoover hit a home run and collected five RBIs, while Krayton Morse added two RBIs and Cordell Coburn drove in another run. The team drew 13 walks and managed seven hits overall. Jackson Rodgers was credited with the win after pitching five innings in relief, allowing just one run and striking out seven batters.
The Leathernecks will next host St. Ambrose Bees on February 24 at 1 pm in Macomb, Illinois.
For more information about Western Illinois University Leathernecks Men’s Baseball—including its history of producing Major League Baseball alumni such as Rick and Paul Reuschel from the late 1960s—visit their official website. The program is based in Macomb, Illinois and has a tradition of competitive achievements including players who have received conference recognition (source).
“With timely hitting, power at the plate, and steady performances on the mound, WIU controlled the tempo and showcased its depth throughout the series.”
“For all the latest information on Leatherneck Baseball, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.”
