By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications

MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois baseball team used a big surge to pull away from Bradley, earning a 12-7 victory on Tuesday afternoon.

The Leathernecks jumped out early and never fully let go, improving to 5-19 on the season behind a strong offensive performance that saw 13 hits and 12 runs.

Western Illinois wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. After a pair of baserunners reached, Cordell Coburn delivered a two-RBI double to give the Leathernecks a 2-0 lead. The momentum carried into the second inning when Joe Connolly launched a two-run home run to extend the lead to 4-0.

Bradley chipped away in the middle innings, tying the game at 4-4 in the sixth before briefly taking a 5-4 lead. However, the Leathernecks responded in a big way in the bottom of the seventh.

Josh McClintock and Connolly opened the inning with back-to-back hits before Liam Bushey tied the game with a sacrifice fly. Moments later, Coburn came through again, ripping a three-RBI double to put Western Illinois back in front, 8-5.

The Leathernecks continued to add insurance in the eighth. After two runners reached, Bushey delivered with a three-run home run to right field to push the lead to 12-6.

At the plate, several Leathernecks turned in standout performances. McClintock led the way with three hits and three runs scored, while Connolly finished with three hits, including his home run, three runs scored, and two RBIs. Bushey drove in a team-high five runs, highlighted by his late home run, and Coburn matched that total with five RBIs of his own on two extra-base hits.

On the mound, Jason Buhl earned the win after recording a key out in relief, while Harrison Dubois closed things out despite a late Bradley push.

The Leathernecks will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they continue their homestand, facing the SEMO Redhawks.

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