MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois baseball team outslugged the Trojans of Little Rock 11-7 on Saturday afternoon. WIU ties their win total from 2023 with their 12th win on the season as they picked up win number seven in Ohio Valley play.

Tyler Kapraun set the tone for the Leathernecks as he retired the first four Trojan batters in order via a strikeout. Little Rock struck for a run in the top half of the second inning as they took an early 1-0 lead. Western Illinois would not trail for long as Brock Lummus sent a ball back up the middle for a one-out single. Lummus advanced to third base on a wild pitch and was brought home on a double down the right-field line by Max Slavens.

A leadoff double in the top of the third put Little Rock in position as they reclaimed their one-run lead on a one-out ground out. Trailing 2-1, Western Illinois center fielder Cesar Franco drove a ball off the right field foul pole for a game-tying home run. WIU kept their offense clicking as walks by Liam Bushey and Kyree Alexander and a hit by J.R. Heavilin loaded the bases. Chris Hege gave WIU the 3-2 lead as he grounded into a double play, scoring Bushey.

Western Illinois broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning. A single by Slavens and Franco put a runner in scoring position as Bushey pulled the ball into the right-center gap, scoring Slavens and Fracon with a two-run double. Leading 5-2, WIU kept their foot on the gas pedal as Alexander would have his first of five RBI on an RBI fielder choice, and Lummus brought home a run on an error by Little Rock shortstop, giving WIU a 7-2 lead after four.

Alexander gave WIU the insurance runs they needed as he blasted a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth inning as Western Illinois climbed their lead to 11-2. Little Rock made the game interesting as they plated five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Kyle Rosenfeld slammed the door for an 11-7 victory.

Tyler Kapraun was lights out on the mound, picking up his fourth win on the season. He went seven innings strong, striking out six Trojans well, allowing just two runs.

Western Illinois bats were hot as they collected 13 hits as a team. Liam Bushey and Max Slavens led the way, going 2-4 with an RBI. Cesar Franco collected two hits, scoring three runs and driving in himself on a solo home run. Kyree Alexander had five RBIs, including four in his grand slam.

Western Illinois and Little Rock will square off in a rubber match on Sunday afternoon. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.