MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois baseball team put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball, defeating SIUE, 7-1, on Sunday afternoon. The Leathernecks claim the series against the Cougars, winning 2 of 3 games.  With the win, the Leathernecks move to 11-26 on the season, 5-10 in conference. 

Western Illinois broke things open in the third inning with three runs on just two hits. Liam Bushey got the scoring started with a single, followed by a run-scoring play off an SIUE error. Isaiah Monge capped the inning with an RBI single to give WIU an early 3-0 lead.

After SIUE responded with a solo home run in the fourth, the Leathernecks answered right back. Josh McClintock came around to score on a wild pitch later in the inning, extending the lead to 4-1.

WIU created even more separation in the sixth, adding three runs to put the game out of reach. Bushey delivered again with a two-RBI single, while Gage Hoover brought in another run to make it 7-1.

Bushey led the offense with a 3-for-5 day and four RBIs, while McClintock added two hits and scored twice. Monge also contributed an RBI as part of the balanced offensive effort.

On the mound, Brett Buchanan earned the win, tossing five innings and allowing just one run on five hits while striking out four. Harrison Dubois and Eric Rawlings combined to shut down SIUE over the final four innings, allowing just two hits and no runs to secure the win.

The Leathernecks will look to carry momentum into their next matchup as they hit the road to face Iowa, before coming home to host the Saint Louis University Bilikens.

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