CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. – The Western Illinois Leatherneck baseball team opened their 2025 season with a doubleheader against Murray State at Capaha Field on Friday but were unable to secure a victory, dropping both games in the neutral-site matchup.

Game 1: Murray State 10, Western Illinois 5

In the opener, Western Illinois' offense put together a solid effort, scoring five runs on ten hits. The Leathernecks plated runs in four different innings, with Kenneth Perez leading the charge by going 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBI's. Trevor Leon also had a strong day at the plate, reaching base four times and scoring twice.

Despite their offensive efforts, the Leathernecks struggled on the mound. Starter Max Tripure (0-1) took the loss, giving up eight runs on eight hits in just three innings of work. The bullpen was more effective, as Karsten Stotlar and the relief corps combined to allow just two runs over the final five innings, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

Game 2: Murray State 16, Western Illinois 0

The second game of the doubleheader was a rough outing for Western Illinois, as the offense was held to just two hits in a seven-inning contest. Murray State's pitching staff struck out nine Leatherneck batters while issuing only one walk.

On the mound, starter Harrison Dubois (0-1) lasted four innings, allowing five runs on six hits. The bullpen struggled as well,  giving up a combined nine runs in the fifth inning.

With the losses, Western Illinois falls to 0-2 on the season. The Leathernecks will look to bounce back in their next contest as they continue their early-season road trip. The Leathernecks are next in action on February 21-23 when they travel to Las Cruces, New Mexcio to take on New Mexico State. 

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