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CHARLESTON, Ill. – The Panther baseball team recorded a season-high 19 hits on Sunday afternoon at Coaches Stadium, defeating Morehead State 13-8 in the Ohio Valley Conference series finale between the two squads. EIU improves to 15-22 (6-8 OVC) on the year.
 
“Defensively, we played great,” said Eastern Illinois head coach Jim Schmitz. “Nathan Sopena made some outstanding plays at second base today, and if he doesn't do that then Morehead State would have scored more runs. Nick Priessman also made a great play in center field.”
 
The Panthers took an early 5-0 advantage through the game's first two innings, scoring four runs in the first and one in the second. After Morehead State scored three runs in the top of the fourth to get within one (4-3), EIU responded by scoring seven runs on three hits and three errors in the bottom of the frame to take a 12-3 lead.
 
The Eagles scored three unanswered runs over the next two innings before Dane Sauer trotted across home plate in the sixth inning on an Eagle fielding error, making the scored 13-6. Morehead State added two runs in the ninth inning to cut its deficit to five (13-8), but the Panthers held on for their sixth OVC win of the year.
 
EIU posted eight more hits (19-11) than the Eagles, but left one more runner on base (13-12). Morehead State committed a season-high six errors while EIU did not have any miscues for the second time in as many games.
 
Seven Panthers had two or more hits on the day, led by T.J. McManus and Caleb Howell who both had four hits. Ben Thoma was also 2-for-6 with three RBI and two runs while Nathan Sopena was 2-for-5 with three RBI, one run and his first career homer.
 
Darin Worman (2-3) took the win on the mound for the Panthers, striking out two and surrendering three runs in two innings of relief work. Troy Barton made the start and went 3.1 innings, issuing five walks and three runs.
 
Blake Smith (3-2) recorded the loss for the Eagles, allowing five runs and four hits in 1.2 innings. Offensively, Duran Elmore led the Eagles as he was 2-for-3 with two runs, an RBI and a triple.
 
The Panthers return to action on Tuesday, April 24 when they travel to Western Illinois. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.