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CHARLESTON, Ill. – The No. 30 Saint Louis Billikens had its school record 13-game win streak snapped on Tuesday evening, falling to the Panther baseball team, 13-6, at Coaches Stadium. EIU improves to 9-13 on the year and 17-1 in home openers under head coach Jim Schmitz.
 
The win over Saint Louis marked the second win this season over a nationally ranked opponent for EIU as the Panthers defeated No. 14 Louisville on Feb. 28.  
 
Entering their home opener, the Panthers only had hit three home runs on the year. Tuesday night EIU posted four home runs, including career firsts for sophomore Jacob Reese and junior Nick Priessman.
 
“It's good to be home,” said Eastern Illinois head coach Jim Schmitz. “The guys were really enjoyed being back in Charleston. We told the guys not to be late on the fastball before the game and not be tentative at the plate.
 
“Defensively, we had a great catch by Caleb Howell late in the game. The game completely changes if he doesn't make that play.”
 
The Billikens scored two early runs in the top of the first inning before the Panthers responded by scoring four runs on three hits in the bottom of the frame to take a lead they would never relinquish.
 
EIU scored a season-high 13 runs throughout the contest, adding runs in five of the eight innings they batted. Four different players had multiple hits in the game while nine players scored a run. Seven players also had a RBI.
 
Priessman paced the prolific Panther offense as he went 2-for-5 at the plate with a game-high three runs and three RBI. Ryan Dineen and Reese both add two runs, two hits and  two RBI.
 
The Panthers posted four more hits (12-8) than Saint Louis and committed two fewer errors (4-2). The Billikens left six more runners on base (10-4).
 
Darin Worman (1-3) picked up his first career win, striking out three and surrendering two runs (one earned) in two innings of work. Five different pitchers saw action and combined for seven strikeouts. Andrew Grahn made the start and allowed three runs and four hits in the game's first three innings.
 
James Norwood (1-1) took the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) and three hits in one inning of action. Five Billiken pitchers saw action and combined to throw six strikeouts and walk two batters.  Steve Fernandez and Alex Kelly paced the Saint Louis offense as both players had two hits and two runs in the loss.
 
“I was really encouraged by the confidence we built today heading into the weekend against SEMO,” said Schmitz.
 
The Panthers return to action on March 30 – April 1 when they play host to Southeast Missouri State in a weekend OVC series. Game one of the series is slated for 3 p.m. on Friday, March 30.