MACOMB, Ill.- Western Illinois baseball dropped a high-scoring matchup to UT Martin, 19-10, on Sunday afternoon at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium.
The Skyhawks jumped out early, scoring 10 runs in the top of the first inning and never giving up the lead. UT Martin capitalized on six hits and five Leatherneck errors in the frame to keep their lead.Â
Western Illinois answered in the bottom half of the inning with a solo home run from Liam Bushey, who led the Leathernecks offensively. Bushey finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, while Isaiah Monge turned in a strong performance at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs.Â
The Leathernecks continued to battle throughout the game, scoring in six different innings, including a three-run seventh and three-run eighth to cut into the deficit. Western Illinois totaled 10 runs on 10 hits but was hindered by five defensive errors.Â
UT Martin's offense remained consistent, tallying 23 hits and adding runs in the later innings to secure the win. TJ Grines led the Skyhawks with four hits, four runs scored, and a home run, while Colten Payton added four hits and three RBIs.Â
Western Illinois moves to 16-30 overall and 8-13 in conference play.Â
The Leathernecks now prepare to hit the road and face Indiana State before continuing conference play against Morehead State, in hopes to secure a spot in the OVC Tournament.Â
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