Macomb, Ill.- Western Illinois fell to SEMO 9-3 in Saturday's contest at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium. The Leathernecks (6-17, 2-4 OVC) started strong, scoring a run in the first inning, but a six-run third inning by SEMO (12-9, 5-1 OVC) proved too much to overcome.

WIU's offense was led by Payton Brown, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Kaylee Ketcherside also contributed with a double and scored two runs. Maria Luna added two hits and an RBI. The Leathernecks recorded eight hits but struggled to capitalize with runners on base, stranding seven throughout the game.

On the mound, Lillie Wools (2-4) took the loss, allowing eight runs (five earned) on nine hits in three innings. Kaitlyn Green provided a solid relief effort, holding SEMO to one hit over two scoreless innings, but WIU's offense couldn't rally back against the Redhawks' pitching staff.

SEMO jumped ahead early with a two-run first inning before breaking the game open in the third, highlighted by Brooklyn Saysoff's three-RBI performance. The Redhawks tallied 11 hits and were aggressive on the bases, swiping two bags. Pitcher Elliott Stinson earned the win, tossing four shutout innings in relief while allowing only three hits and striking out four.

Defensively, WIU struggled with three errors, allowing SEMO extra opportunities to extend innings. Despite solid efforts from Brown and Luna at the plate, the Leathernecks couldn't keep up with the Redhawks' offensive outburst.

Western Illinois aims to sharpen their defense and find more consistency at the plate as they prepare for their next match up in Macomb, Illinois against Bradley University on March 18th at 2 p.m. 

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