ROCHESTER, Mich. - A doubleheader between Western Illinois and Oakland was played on Sunday. As the Leathernecks attempt to climb the Summit League standings, the Purple & Gold were unable to aid those efforts as Oakland took game one.

Game One

Western Illinois has hit five home runs in the last two games. Two of those came in the opening game on Sunday. However, both came with the bases empty and Oakland used eight hits to better Western by a run, 3-2. With the loss, the Leathernecks fall to 4-7 in Summit League play.

John Koszulinski continued the trend from Saturday with a first inning solo home run to put the Leathernecks on the board first. The big fly was Koszulinski's third of the season.

The Golden Grizzlies were quick to answer as it strung together three hits including an RBI double down the left field line from D.J.  Jarrad.

The Grizzlies' catcher Ryan Waldhart smacked a third inning home runs to put Oakland on top 2-1.  Another RBI double in the bottom of the fourth inning stretched the home lead to 3-1.

Philip Tolman replaced Zarate in the fifth inning and was impressive as he went 3.1 innings without allowing a hit.

Tom Lilja continued his power surge with a sixth inning solo shot for his 10^th home run of the season. Two more home runs for Lilja this season will tie the single season record of 12 last done by Joe Rooney in 2002. Three others have matched Rooney, Sean Munger (2001), Ryan Langdon (2000) and Corny Stanley (1991).  The Lilja long ball brought the Leathernecks within one but that would be as close as Western would get. Oakland shut the door over the final three innings to take game one of two on Sunday.

The two, three and four hitters for the Leathernecks combined to go 6-for-12 with two RBI and two runs scored. The only bad news was that it was the only production for the Purple & Gold lineup. Matt Igara, Koszulinski and Lilja all went 2-for-4.

Alexander Zarate (1-4) went 4.2 innings, allowed eight hits, walked four and struck out three Grizzlies.  Tolman was sharp in his outing but did walk one.

Aaron Wick (3-5) picked up the victory with his 7.0 inning performance.  Jeff Gorecki went 2.o innings to pick up his first save of the season.

Game Two

Oakland was able to win game two, 6-3, to sweep both games on Sunday and take three of four from Western Illinois.

The Grizzlies used four hits including a two RBI double from Todd Dunham to put the first three runs of the game on the board.

A pitch from Oakland starter Greg Welke hit Danny Marcuzzo. Bryan Jordan singled up the middle before Anthony Kaskadden was able to sacrifice both runners over with a bunt back to the pitcher.  Chris Giglio grounded out to second base but Marcuzzo was able to score.

Oakland pulled away with three more in the bottom of the fifth. Game one pitcher Aaron Wick doubled down the left field line to bring home two runs. Dustin Hunter replaced Ryan Wachholder in the inning after Wachholder went 4.0 innings. A bases-loaded fielder's choice put the Golden Grizzlies up 6-1 after five innings.

Austin Cowen started the Leatherneck rally in the top of the sixth inning with a double to left center to bring home Koszulinski after he drew a walk.

Matt Igara doubled with two outs in the seventh inning. Koszulinski walked before Tom Lilja drove in his third run of the day to pull the Leathernecks within three. The comeback attempt fell short and Oakland sealed the win in the top of the seventh.

Wachholder (0-6) went 4.0 innings and allowed four earned runs while striking out three. Hunter went the final two innings and did not allow a hit while setting down three Grizzlies via the strikeout.

Lilja, Cowen and Giglio all drove in runs for Western. Igara and Jordan both added hits to the cause.

Welke (2-6) went 5.1 innings and allowed two earned runs. Jeff Gorecki picked up another save with 0.1 of an inning to stop the Leatherneck late rally.