CHARLESTON, Ill. - Alexander Zarate (1-2) went 6.0 impressive innings and the bullpen held the Panthers scoreless as Western won the Tuesday battle, 4-0. The Leathernecks improve to 7-19 as Eastern Illinois falls to 7-19.

A runner would reach third base in the first inning against Zarate but no damage was done as he induced a lineout to left field. That would be the only Panther runner to reach third the entire game.

Danny Marcuzzo started the third inning with a double down the left field line. The Leatherneck designated hitter advanced to third on a failed pickoff attempt by Eastern starting pitcher, Troy Barton (1-3). Chris Giglio smacked a single up the middle to put the Purple & Gold up 1-0.

An error on the Panther third baseman allowed Tom Lilja to reach and was brought home by a Marcuzzo infield single.

Matt Igara walked to start the fifth inning. Austin Cowen also drew a walk to allow Tom Lilja to double into left center field to drive home both Igara and Cowen.

Zarate picks up his first win as a Leatherneck as he struck out four Panthers and walked three hitters.

Garrett Bolt and Ryan Wachholder tossed the final three innings to secure the victory.

Lilja finished with two RBI to lead the offensive attack for the Leathernecks. Marcuzzo collected two hits on the afternoon.

Summit League play begins on Friday as Western Illinois as South Dakota State will travel to Macomb, Ill. for four games at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium.