MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois showed fight until the final out but couldn't overcome an early deficit, falling 13-9 to Kansas City on Tuesday, April 16th, at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium.
Despite a 15-hit outing and a strong offensive push late in the game, the Leathernecks (10-29) couldn't erase a deficit built by the Roos' consistent scoring across all but one inning. Kansas City jumped ahead with a four-run second and padded its lead with key extra-base hits, including a three-run triple by Leilani Bustamante and a two-run homer from Grace Batdorf.
Lillie Wools took the loss in the circle, allowing four runs in the first inning before being relieved. Western Illinois used four pitchers in total, with Libby Spaulding finishing the final three frames.
Offensively, WIU spread production throughout the lineup. Kaylee Ketcherside went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, while Megan Leonard added two hits and an RBI. Maria Luna delivered the biggest swing of the day, crushing a three-run home run in the seventh inning to spark a rally. Lillie Wools also helped her own cause, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Ruby Tarr doubled and scored twice, and RyLee German added a 2-for-4 performance with a double and an RBI.
The Leathernecks' offense surged in the final two frames, scoring three in the sixth and four more in the seventh, capped by Luna's blast and Ketcherside's RBI double. However, the gap proved too wide after Kansas City added four insurance runs in the top of the seventh, two of which were unearned.
With 15 hits, nine RBIs, and a never-quit mentality, Western Illinois put together one of its more productive offensive performances of the season but ultimately couldn't keep pace defensively.
The Leathernecks will look to rebound this upcoming weekend against their OVC opponent, SIUE. WIU softball will face-off against SIUE on April 18-19 at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium in Macomb, Illinois.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For all the latest information on Leatherneck Softball, please visit GoLeathernecks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Leathernecks on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
