MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Defensive miscues from Western Illinois (0-8) was the difference in an 8-5 loss to Memphis on Saturday (Feb. 29)
"It was good to see our guys bounce back and respond after a tough game last night," head coach Andy Pascoe said. "I thought Brett Sears threw well and competed through not having his best stuff. We have to get over the hump now of taking care of the baseball a little more and figuring out how to win a close ball game."
The Leatherneck bats were ready out of the gates. Back-to-back singles from Alex Dorethy and Trenton Bauer plated home two runs for 2-0 lead in the first.
However, Memphis erased the quick start and tied 2-2 in their half of the first.
In his first collegiate start, Brett Sears (0-1) lasted 4.2 innings of work and limited Memphis to two runs and four hits while striking out three.
Each side remained shutout until Drue Galassi smacked an RBI triple into right field and then came around to score on a past ball for a 4-2 advantage. Bauer later added his third hit of the game and second RBI on a single in the eighth.
The Tigers took advantage of three total Leatherneck errors and scored six runs through the sixth and seventh to go up 8-5.
The series finale is set for Sunday (March 1) at 1 p.m.
