By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications

MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois dropped its matchup against SEMO on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-17 in Macomb.

The Leathernecks struck first in the opening inning, as Joe Connolly came around to score and tie the game at 1-1. SEMO answered quickly and steadily built its lead over the next few innings, using a big fourth inning to pull ahead.

WIU continued to fight offensively, getting a double RBI from Liam Bushey in the third to make it 4-2, and later adding two more runs in the fourth. Josh McClintock delivered a key two-RBI double, while Cordell Coburn and Isaiah Monge each contributed hits as part of a seven-hit effort for the Leathernecks.

Southeast Missouri broke the game open in the middle innings, scoring multiple runs in the fourth and fifth inning, with six-runs in the sixth inning to extend its advantage. Despite the early push from WIU, the Leathernecks were unable to slow the Redhawks' momentum down the stretch.

Western Illinois will look to bounce back as the series continues tomorrow back in Macomb. 

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