MACOMB, IL. – Western Illinois put together one of its strongest offensive performances of the season Tuesday afternoon but came up just short in an 11-10 loss to Alabama A&M at Bulldog Field.

The Leathernecks (2-7) totaled 11 hits and drew six walks, scoring 10 runs across four innings. Western Illinois built a 7-2 lead midway through the contest before Alabama A&M responded, taking the lead back from Western.

Despite the setback, the Leathernecks showed resilience by rallying to tie the game at 10-10 in the sixth inning. However, the Bulldogs pushed across the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.

Payton Brown paced Western Illinois offensively, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Sophia Sanchez added two hits and two RBI, while Kam Utendorf collected two hits and scored twice. Hannah Simpson and Alijah Williams each drove in two runs as five Leathernecks recorded multi-hit performances.

Kathryn McChristy started before Audrey Clark provided 3.2 innings of relief work. Lillie Wools (1-2) was charged with the loss, allowing one run in 1.2 innings.

Western Illinois will look to bounce back as the series continues in Huntsville.

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