MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois dropped the series opener to rival Eastern Illinois Panthers on Thursday afternoon, falling 7-1 at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium.
The Leathernecks struck first in the opening inning when Liam Bushey doubled to center before Wandel Campana brought him home with an RBI single to give WIU an early 1-0 lead. Eastern Illinois answered in the third inning on an RBI double from Quade Peters to even the score before taking control with a three-run fifth inning.
Western Illinois finished with six hits on the afternoon. Bushey led the way with a double and a run scored, while Campana recorded the Leathernecks' lone RBI. Joe Connolly, Cordell Coburn, Gage Hoover and Krayton Morse each added hits.
On the mound, Max Tripure tossed five innings and struck out seven batters. Harrison Dubois worked two scoreless innings in relief with two strikeouts, while Karsten Stotlar closed the final 1.1 innings without allowing a run.
Western Illinois falls to 17-34 overall and 8-17 in conference play. The Leathernecks and Panthers continue the series Friday afternoon in Macomb.
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