By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications

MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois battled through a tight, back-and-forth contest but ultimately fell in extra innings, 2-3, to Southern Indiana on Friday evening.

The Leathernecks showed resilience all game long, answering both of Southern Indiana's early runs to keep things even. After falling behind 0-1 in the third, Western Illinois responded in the fourth when Isaiah Monge delivered an RBI single to bring home Wandel Campana. Southern Indiana regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning, but once again the Leathernecks had an answer in the sixth as Krayton Morse lined an RBI single down the left field line to tie the game at 2-2.

On the mound, Max Tripure turned in a strong start, tossing seven innings while allowing just two runs and keeping the Leathernecks within striking distance. Eric Rawlings came on in relief and held Southern Indiana scoreless into extra innings, striking out five batters.

Western Illinois had chances late, including a ninth-inning opportunity with a runner reaching third, but couldn't push across the go-ahead run. In the bottom of the 10th, Southern Indiana capitalized, using a pair of baserunners to set up a walk-off RBI single and secure the 3–2 win.

Despite being outhit 4-8, the Leathernecks drew seven walks and continued to compete in key moments, but ultimately left nine runners on base in the narrow extra-inning loss.

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