BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A strong pitching performance from Ryan Wachholder was wasted as the Leathernecks were unable to push across any runs and lost the Saturday afternoon game 4-0 to the Samford Bulldogs.

Western threatened early after Anthony Kaskadden stole two bases in the first inning but the next three hitters were retired and no damage was done. Samford struck first in the bottom of the frame and led 1-0 after the first inning.

The Bulldogs added a run in the third, fourth and seventh inning and went on to win the game 4-0. The opposing starter, Kyle Putkonen, was impressive in his first appearance of the season as he went six innings and struckout nine Leatherneck hitters.

The story of the game will end up being the 12 strikeouts suffered by Western Illinois.

Wachholder will move to 0-1 on the season and Putkonen will improve to 1-0, Charles Bashford was awarded the save after he went the final three innings.

Bryan Jordan led the way with two hits. Kaskadden, John Koszulinski, Tom Lilja and Austin Cowen all collected one hit apeice.

Wachholder struck out five in his five innings of work and allowed just two earned runs. Philip Tolman appeared in relief of Wachholder to throw three innings and allowed just one run.

Western Illinois will face Samford on Sunday at noon in the third and final game of this series. Alexander Zarate is expected to make his debut for the Leathernecks. 

Be sure to tune in on Rocky Vision beginning at 11:45 a.m. for the broadcast of the final game from Birmingham, Ala.