PEORIA, Ill. - The Leatherneck baseball team traveled to Peoria, Ill. on Friday for the first of four games between Bradley and Western Illinois this season. The Braves took the first meeting this season and the weekend by a score of 6-1 in part to a solid start from Braves left-hander Joe Bircher and two costly errors.
The Purple & Gold had an opportunity to jump out early in the first inning. Dan Dispensa led off the game with a single and was moved over to second with a sacrifice bunt from Anthony Kaskadden. John Koszulinski was hit by a pitch but Bryan Jordan grounded into a fielder's choice to end the inning.
Another chance to get on the board was presented to the Leathernecks in the top of the second inning as Tom Lilja reached after taking one off the elbow. Ryan Cowhey singled with a rope into left field. Chris Giglio executed a sacrifice bunt and Western Illinois had both runners in scoring position. However, the visiting team was unable to push any across in the frame.
Bradley put the first tally on the board in the second inning powered by an RBI single from Derek Sprout.
Matt Igara drew a one-out walk and was followed by a Koszulinski single to start the third inning. Jordan took advantage of a throwing error charged to the Braves' pitcher and Western had the bases loaded. Austin Cowen flied out center field to bring home Igara the first and only run of the game for the Leathernecks.
The Braves took control of the game thanks to 11 consecutive Leathernecks retired by Bircher.
Bradley broke the tie in the bottom of the third inning and never looked back as the Braves put another run on the board in the fifth and added three runs in the seventh inning.
Dan Russell (3-2) notched another quality start and was issued a tough luck loss as he went 6.2 innings and allowed just two earned runs. Chris Fuchs was called on in relief and continues to put together a solid senior season as he went 1.1 innings and allowed just one hit.
Cowhey and Dispensa both collected two hits on the evening to lead the Leathernecks. Cowen was credited with the only RBI of the night.
Bircher (4-2) went 7.0 innings and allowed five hits and one rune to earn the victory. Danny Gifford pitched the final 2.0 innings and allowed just two hits.
Jerrod Eigsti paced the Braves as he drove in two runs.
Western Illinois and Bradley will square off again on Saturday at 2 p.m. with Zach Sterling taking the hill for the Leathernecks. Be sure to tune in to the broadcast on Rocky Vision at 1:45 p.m.
