MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois baseball opens the 2026 season this weekend, facing the University of San Francisco Dons at the Benedetti Diamond in San Francisco. The Leathernecks will play multiple games across the weekend against the Dons, facing a nonconference opponent while getting their first live-game reps of the year.

Experienced Core

A major strength for the Leathernecks heading into the 2026 season is the experience and depth they return across the roster. Western Illinois welcomes back 20 players from last year's squad, including a veteran core that has accumulated valuable innings on the mound, consistent at-bats at the plate, and extensive defensive experience at the collegiate level. That continuity provides a strong foundation as the program looks to build on last season's progress and carry momentum into the spring.

The returners are represented throughout every position group. With familiarity, chemistry, and experience already in place, the Leathernecks are positioned to take the next step in 2026.
 

OVC Players to Watch

Fifth-year outfielder Liam Bushey headlines the Leathernecks' returning talent after earning All-OVC honors in 2025 as the program's lone returning first- or second-team All-Conference selection. A steady presence in the lineup, Bushey brings proven experience and leadership that will help set the tone offensively for Western Illinois in 2026.

The Leathernecks also earned recognition on the OVC's 2026 Players to Watch list, as sophomore infielder Kenneth Perez and senior right-handed pitcher Max Tripure were both named preseason standouts. Perez solidified himself as a key contributor in the infield last season and continues to make strides at the plate, while Tripure provides a veteran anchor on the mound, giving WIU a reliable and experienced arm to lead the pitching staff.

Keys to Success

For WIU Baseball to make noise in 2026, success will come down to consistency in all three phases of the game. Offensively, the Leathernecks must focus on quality at-bats; working counts, limiting strikeouts, and capitalizing with runners in scoring position rather than relying solely on big innings. On the mound, establishing command early in games will be key, allowing starters to work deeper while keeping pressure off the bullpen. Defensively, clean, mistake-free play has to be the standard; turning routine plays into outs and avoiding extra bases will make a major difference in tight conference matchups. If Western Illinois can pair disciplined hitting with reliable pitching and sharp defense, they'll put themselves in position to compete every weekend and build momentum throughout the 2026 season.
 

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