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Western Illinois University Athletics

AdamMcGinnis.jpg
2
Western Illinois WIU 0-3
19
Winner Middle Tennessee MT 5-1
Western Illinois WIU
0-3
2
Final
19
Middle Tennessee MT
5-1
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Western Illinois WIU 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 6
Middle Tennessee MT 5 0 0 0 8 1 5 0 X 19 18 1

W: Slatton (1-1) L: Church, Preston (0-1)

Game Recap: Baseball | | WIU Athletic Communications

McGinnis Homers in Series Finale Loss at Middle Tennessee State

Western baseball saw two batters and three pitchers make their first appearance or start for the Leathernecks on Monday (Feb. 23).

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - A two-run home run from Adam McGinnis in the first inning provided a small bright spot for the Leathernecks in their 19-2 loss at Middle Tennessee State on Monday (Feb. 23) afternoon in the series finale.

In addition to McGinnis's homer, Kendall King, Colan Borchers, Pete Minella, and Sam Cottingham-Beard all made their career debut as Leathernecks while Dave Dobrinich made his first career start in left field.

"Obviously you look at the score, and it's not pretty, but it is not indicative of the game itself," said head coach Ryan Brownlee. "We had three really bad innings, and couldn't score; but I also think we swung the bats extremely well. We roped the ball at them, but MTSU is a good team, they are 5-1 for a reason."

The first inning started out as the Purple and Gold drew back-to-back walks. With one out, Adam McGinnis would step to the plate and drive a two-run shot over the left field fence, giving Western an early 2-0 lead. However, a strikeout and an outfield assist at home negated a potential run and left one stranded. 

The Blue Raiders responded with a five-run first inning of their own; the only mark on an otherwise quality start from sophomore lefty Preston Church, who pitched a scoreless second, third, and fourth innings with four strikeouts. However, the Leatherneck bats failed to respond, and an eight-run fifth inning for MTSU would open up a lead that proved to be insurmountable for the Purple and Gold. 

"I thought Colan's inning had some bad luck," said coach Brownlee. "There were some balls that dropped, and defensively our hearts were in the right place, but we tried to force some things, and you can't do that."

Coach Brownlee along with pitching coach Shane Davis took advantage of the situation and gave some young arms and bats the opportunity to get in the game. Along with the five Leathernecks who debuted or started for the first time, true-freshman Colton Pogue would notch his third start of the year while Aden Campbell would make his second appearance in three games.

 "Getting those guys that playing time is really valuable," said Brownlee. "They are going to be a big part of the program and you have to get them in there and see what they can do. This was a good learning experience, especially for some of our young pitchers. You have to pitch, change speeds, and command. I have always been a part of programs based on development through playing young guys and getting them experience. I think that is why a lot of guys chose to come to Western."

With opening weekend out of the way for Coach Brownlee and Western baseball, the next challenge will be a matchup with nationally-ranked Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The three-game series is scheduled to start this Friday (Feb. 27) at 4 p.m. and wrap up with game three on Sunday at 1 p.m. A full series preview will be available later this week along with live stats and audio for each of the three games all at GoLeathernecks.com.
 
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