By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
MACOMB, Ill.- ​​The Western Illinois baseball team dropped a midweek contest to Illinois, 8-21, on Tuesday afternoon at Illinois Field.
The Leathernecks (4-12) found offensive sparks throughout the lineup, recording eight runs on eight hits, including three home runs. Liam Bushey, Paul Osting, and Josh McClintock each went deep for Western Illinois, while Gage Hoover added a double to help pace the offense.
Western Illinois got on the board early and continued to battle offensively, with multiple players contributing at the plate. Bushey's home run highlighted the Leathernecks' power, while Osting and McClintock added long balls of their own as WIU worked to keep pressure on the Illinois pitching staff.
Wandel Campana also contributed on the basepaths, swiping a stolen base during the contest.
On the mound, Western Illinois utilized several pitchers throughout the game as JT Fabian made the start before the Leathernecks turned to William Humphrey, Karsten Stotlar, Dylan Kaminski, Anthony Steinhoff, Cade Sonoqui, Alex Esker, and Jacob Golson in relief.
Illinois totaled 17 hits in the game and used a big offensive output to secure the midweek victory.
Western Illinois will look to bounce back as the Leathernecks return to action later this week as they host Illinois State before facing the Redbirds on their own turf.
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