The Leathernecks (4-8) struck first, scoring a run in the opening inning, but Illinois (8-6) responded with two runs in both the second and third innings to take control early. WIU was held scoreless for five straight innings before breaking through in the seventh with a three-run outburst to make things interesting. Kyree Alexander started off the seventh with a single and got to third on a steal and passed ball. Brock Lummus would get an RBI single scoring Alexander to cut the Fighting Illini lead to 4-2 with no outs in the seventh. Later in the inning, Paul Osting and Krayton Morse would have back-to-back singles to load the bases with one out. Liam Bushey would hit a grounder to second and would beat the throw to first on the double play attempt to tie the game at four. 

Osting reached base three times going 2-4 and scored two runs, while Lummus finished the game 2-3 with one RBI. Alexander also picked up two hits on the evening going 2-4 for the game.

On the mound, Harrison Dubois got the start and worked two innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out one. The WIU bullpen had some bright spots, including Alex Esker, who tossed two scoreless innings with four strikeouts, and Eric Rawlings, who kept Illinois off the board over two frames. Anthony Steinhoff also had an impressive seventh inning to keep the game tied at four, striking out 2 batters in one inning of relief.

Illinois would pull away late with a seven-run eighth inning to put the game out of reach.

The Leathernecks return to Macomb for their home opener on Thursday against Illinois State. First pitch is at 2 p.m.