MACOMB, Ill. - A final tune-up with Illinois State (32-16, 10-8 MVC) on Tuesday before what could be the most important series in Western Illinois baseball (20-33, 12-12 Summit League) in three years did not go as planned. The upcoming series with North Dakota State will determine the Purple & Gold's tournament fate, as the Leathernecks magic number stands at three games. The Leathernecks could not overcome two big innings early for the Redbirds and dropped the final home game at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium this season, 9-4.
A staff day for the Western Illinois allowed several pitchers to see action on a beautiful day for baseball in Macomb. Garrett Bolt (0-3) got the start and lasted just 0.2 of an inning after allowing three earned runs along and issuing three walks. The five Leatherneck pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts on the afternoon.
Illinois State touched up Bolt early as three runs came across in the top of the first. Two Redbird hits and a Leathernecks' error contributed to the crooked number for the visitors.
Chad Hinshaw was a force all day on the base paths for the Redbirds. Despite finishing the game without a hit the center fielder scored three runs, drew four walks and stole three bags. Hinshaw started the second inning with a walk and two stolen bases and eventually scored on a throwing error charged to Jake Moore.
The fourth inning was another big inning for Illinois State plated four runs on three hits including two doubles to extend their advantage to 8-0.
Another double in the fifth allowed the ninth and final run of the game for the Redbirds to score.
Western Illinois attempted to stage a rally in the middle innings as Danny Marcuzzo was hit by a pitch before a Ryan Cowhey walk. Moore sent a double down the left field line for an RBI. Austin Cowen drove in two runs with his single up the middle. Cowen collected his 11th multi-RBI game of the season, which leads the team.
Cowhey drew another walk to start the next inning and stole second for his 12th act of larceny of the season. Matt Igara knocked Cowen in with a single to right field. However, the bats would go quiet for the final three innings and Western will have to rebound at NDSU after the non-conference defeat.
A bright spot on the day was the work of the Leatherneck hurlers in the final four innings as the Redbirds were held scoreless.
Gabe Long was the second pitcher of the day for the Purple Army and struck out four in 2.1 innings while allowing three earned runs. Chris Fuchs appeared in his final game at Boyer Stadium to toss two innings before Dustin Hunter was sharp in his 3.2 innings of work as he set down five Redbirds via the strikeout. Also in his final game at home, Travis Pedersen recorded the final out with a punch out.
Bryan Jordan drew four walks on the afternoon while Cowen, Igara and Moore all collected RBI. John Koszulinski collected his 46th multi-hit game of his career in his last performance in front of the home fans.
The Leathernecks will hit the road for what will hopefully be an extended trip for four games with the Bison of North Dakota State beginning on Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. If Western can take care of business then the road trip will continue on to Sioux Falls, S.D. for The Summit League Tournament on May 26. Michael Broskowski will bring you all the action on The Leatherneck Sports Network as Western Illinois fights for a spot in the postseason.
