Leathernecks Take Tuesday Tussle

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois baseball added the Illinois College game to the schedule after weather conditions in St. Louis, Mo. forced a cancellation of the Northern Illinois game. Despite snow on Tuesday morning, the game with the Blueboys was played and the Leathernecks took full advantage of the opportunity. The Purple & Gold took the game 16-1 in seven innings.

The opening inning saw seven runs cross the plate for the Leathernecks to answer the run that Illinois College put on the board in the top of the frame. The inning was highlighted by a bases-clearing double from Chris Giglio and a two-RBI single from Tom Lilja.

Ryan Cowhey smacked a triple to right center to start the second inning and plated a run. Anthony Kaskadden added an RBI-single and the score stood at 9-1 in the second inning.

Lilja crushed his fifth home run of the season over the scoreboard in left field in the third inning to put the home team in double-digits.

Danny Marcuzzo added a two-RBI double in the fifth as part of a four run inning.

For good measure, Western added two more in the sixth with Lilja collecting his fourth RBI with a sacrifice fly and John Koszulinski scoring from third on a wild pitch. The game was called due to the mercy rule.

Not to be outdone, the Leatherneck pitchers had a sparkling performance as well. Freshman Tyler Owings (1-0) got his first start of his collegiate career and went 5.0 innings and allowed just one hit and one run while striking out three opponents. Garret Bolt and Gabe Long combined for two hitless innings to secure the victory. The staff combined for a one-hitter during the shortened game.

Lilja had a big afternoon as he went 3-for-4 with four RBI and scored three times.

Giglio added three RBI to the cause while Marcuzzo came in late to drive in two runs. Bryan Jordan, Cowhey and Kaskadden all drove in runs and Matt Igara added two hits and also stole a base.

The Leathernecks will make the quick trip to Peoria, Ill. for three games with the Bradley Braves. Game on is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. Be sure to tune in to the Rock Vision broadcast at GoLeathernecks.com at 5:45 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#9 John Koszulinski: C; 6' 0"; Senior; R/R

#26 Tom Lilja: IF/OF; 6' 0"; Junior; R/R

#4 Anthony Kaskadden: OF; 5' 10"; Senior; R/R

#15 Bryan Jordan: OF/IF; 5' 11"; Senior; R/R

#11 Chris Giglio: IF; 6' 0"; Senior; R/R

#23 Ryan Cowhey: OF; 6' 3"; Junior; R/R

#14 Gabe Long: LHP; 5' 11"; Junior; R/L

#21 Danny Marcuzzo: IF; 6' 3"; Junior; R/R

#18 Tyler Owings: LHP; 6' 4"; Redshirt; L/L

Players Mentioned

#9 John Koszulinski
: 6' 0"; Senior; R/R
: C

#26 Tom Lilja
: 6' 0"; Junior; R/R
: IF/OF

#4 Anthony Kaskadden
: 5' 10"; Senior; R/R
: OF

#15 Bryan Jordan
: 5' 11"; Senior; R/R
: OF/IF

#11 Chris Giglio
: 6' 0"; Senior; R/R
: IF

#23 Ryan Cowhey
: 6' 3"; Junior; R/R
: OF

#14 Gabe Long
: 5' 11"; Junior; R/L
: LHP

#21 Danny Marcuzzo
: 6' 3"; Junior; R/R
: IF

#18 Tyler Owings
: 6' 4"; Redshirt; L/L
: LHP