By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois baseball comes home to continue its conference season to host the SEMO Redhawks. The Leathernecks are 6-18 overall this season, 1-2 in conference play.
Who | Southeast Missouri
When | March 27-29 | 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:00 PM
Where | Alfred D. Boyer Stadium
Last Time Out
Western Illinois is coming off a strong midweek performance, defeating Bradley 12-7 at home. The Leathernecks jumped out to an early lead and used a big seventh inning to regain control. Joe Connolly and Josh McClintock each tallied three hits at the top of the lineup, while Liam Bushey and Cordell Coburn powered the offense with five RBIs apiece. Bushey's late home run helped seal the win as Western Illinois totaled 13 hits on the day, with the bullpen combining to secure the victory.
OVC Key Stats
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Liam Bushey ranks second in the OVC with 31 RBIs.
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Joe Connolly is ranked fifth in the OVC for runs scored, recording 29.
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Bushey is ranked second in the OVC for home runs, with 10.Â
Keys to Success
Western Illinois' success in the 2025–26 season will come down to consistency on both sides of the ball, especially as conference play is underway. The Leathernecks have shown the ability to generate offense early in games, but sustaining that production through all nine innings will be key after giving up late leads, including a narrow extra-inning loss at Illinois State. Pitching depth and limiting big innings will also be important, as at times the team has struggled to contain opposing lineups in high-scoring games. With a veteran core and experienced roster already in place, the focus moving forward will be on executing situational baseball, tightening up defensively, and finding consistency on the mound.
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