MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois exploded offensively Wednesday afternoon, rolling to a 21-5 run-rule victory in six innings over Alabama A&M at Bulldog Field. The Leathernecks improved to 3-7 on the season behind an 18-hit performance that featured five home runs and 11 runs in the decisive sixth inning.

Western Illinois wasted no time taking control, scoring three runs in the opening frame. Maria Luna drove in the first run with a single to left center, Ruby Tarr later scored on a passed ball, and Sophia Sanchez capped the inning with an RBI triple down the right-field line to make it 3-0. The Leathernecks added four more in the second, highlighted by a three-run homer from Payton Brown. Tarr followed with a solo shot later in the inning to extend the lead to 7-0.

The advantage grew to 9-0 in the third when Angie Ortiz delivered a two-RBI single to right, taking advantage of a Bulldog throwing error that allowed an additional run to score. Alabama A&M answered with three runs in the fourth inning. 

Western Illinois responded emphatically in the sixth, erupting for 11 runs on seven hits. Brown launched her second and third home runs of the game during the inning, finishing 3-for-5 with three homers and seven RBIs. Ortiz added a three-run double, and Luna finished the frame with a two-run blast to center field.

Ortiz finished 3-for-5 with five RBIs, Luna went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and a home run, and Tarr scored four times while adding a homer of her own. On the mound, Libby Spaulding earned the win after tossing three scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks. Lillie Wools and Audrey Clark combined to close out the final three innings as the Leathernecks secured the run-rule victory.

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