BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Western Illinois dropped its season-opening series finale at Samford 18-1 on Sunday afternoon at Griffin Field. The Leathernecks fell to 0-3 following the opening weekend.

Samford (3-0) jumped out to an early lead taking advantage of a two-out error to plate a run in the first. Junior Alexander Zarate, making his Western debut, got the first two outs in the second with a flyball and strikeout. However, two singles and a walk loaded the bases. A fielding error at second base led two runs, then Brandon Miller followed with a 3-run homer putting the Bulldogs up 6-0.

In the fifth and sixth inning Western put two runners on but could not push across a run. The Bulldogs broke the game open in the sixth using three hits and an error to score six more times. Samford scored two in the seventh and four more times in the eighth.

Junior Tom Lilja accounted for the Leathernecks' offense hitting a solo homer in the eighth. Western stranded 11 runners in the game, but the pitching staff gave up 11 walks and the defense committed four errors to close out the opening weekend.

The Leathernecks had 16 newcomers make their debut this weekend, and of the 25 that played only three have two or more of years experience in the program. Head coach Mike Villano noted this weekend should serve as an introduction for the newcomers to play at the Division I level.

"We have a lot of new faces and they are still adjusting to the Division I level. Some of the guys need to grow up and mature as baseball players. You can't just wait for a fastball at this level. Scouting reports are sent out daily," said Villano. "I don't think we needed to get beat by 17 runs but getting humiliated sometimes can be a good thing. Not a lot of people have heard of Samford, but they are a good program and have a strong team this year."

Zarate (0-1) gave up six unearned runs on five hits in four innings of work. The junior struck out four and walked three. Four of the Leatherneck relief pitchers did not allow a run and all eight combined to strike out 11 Samford batters.

Lilja accounted for two of the team's six hits. Western opened the series scoring eight runs, but managed just Lilja's homer for scoring the past two games.

Joshua VanFleteren pitched 5.1 scoreless innings to pick up the win. He scattered three hits and struck out four. Michael Johnson led the Bulldogs with three hits and he was one of three Samford players to score three runs each.

Western returns to action next weekend for a four-game series at Georgia State, starting Friday (Feb. 25) at 5 p.m.