LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Richie Derbak posted his first career five-hit game, recording four of Eastern Illinois baseball's 11 extra-base hits, and Mike Recchia pitched seven innings of one-run ball to lead the Panthers to a 16-4 blowout win against Milwaukee on the final day of the Cardinal Classic.

Jake Samuels and Derbak both homered in the fourth inning. Derbak also doubled three times, collecting four RBIs and 11 total bases – the latter total being the most by a Panther since March 2007. He also joined Curt Restko and Brett Nommensen as active EIU players with a five-hit game on their résumés.

Recchia (2-0) gave up only four hits and one run while striking out seven. Milwaukee used eight pitchers in the game. He has not allowed more than one run in any of his first three starts this season.

 

Zach Skidmore, Restko and Samuels each registered a multiple-hit game as well. Gerik Wallsten recorded three RBIs in the lineup's nine hole.

 

The Panthers (6-3) scored in each of the first five innings, including multiple runs in the third through fifth.

 

“It was a hard loss last night [to Louisville], being up 5-4 in the seventh [but losing 10-6],” said EIU head coach Jim Schmitz while recapping the weekend. “We came out today, had a good pregame and swung the bats well. Mike Recchia was stellar again. Jake Samuels has been the swinging the bat well, so we had to get him a start [at first base]. Some people don't take advantage of a chance like that, but he sure did. Richie really hit the ball well. He went the other way and to all fields. It hasn't bugged him in the DH spot. He seems to like being part of the bench during the game and knows we need him to pitch.”

 

“But the key was the good starting pitching performances. All three starters went deep into the game. Josh [Mueller] was outstanding and Tyler Kehrer the same. Three performances like that are very encouraging and gives the guys confidence on the offensive end.”

 

Eastern's 16 runs and 18 hits in the win were the most since posting 20 hits and 20 runs in the 2008 regular-season finale at Eastern Kentucky, a victory that ignited the postseason run to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title.

 

The Panthers sent 10 hitters to the plate in their five-run third. Skidmore ignited the rally with a triple and scored on a wild pitch with Samuels at the plate. Derbak doubled home Jordan Kreke, who had walked, and came around on a two-bagger by Ryan Lindquist. Restko was hit by a pitch and both runners moved up a base on a passed ball. Wallsten followed with a two-run single to center, chasing UWM (3-8) starter Andy Hetebrueg (0-2).

 

Eastern scored all four of its runs in the fifth inning with two outs. Nommensen walked and scored from first on a double to right center by Jordan Tokarz, the first of three two-baggers in the inning. Tokarz and Skidmore traded places with another double. After a single by Samuels and walk to Kreke loaded the bases, Derbak plated a pair with an opposite-field double down the line in left.

 

The Panthers tacked on three more runs in the seventh. Skidmore and Samuels drew consecutive walks to begin the inning and scored on a pinch-hit double by Cam Strang. Restko plated Strang with a two-out single.

 

Samuels gave EIU the lead in the top of the first with a two-out double, scoring Skidmore. Derbak led off the following frame with a two-bagger and scored on a sacrifice fly to center off the bat of Wallsten.

 

The Panthers have won four of their last five games since losing in walk-off fashion to Saint Louis on Feb. 27.

Eastern returns to action Tuesday for a 2 p.m. midweek game at Indiana State. Mike Martin is expected to start on the mound.

More Info: Contact Ben Turner, Asst. SID