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MACOMB, Ill. – The Panther baseball team dropped an 11-1 road contest at Western Illinois on Tuesday afternoon at Boyer Stadium. EIU falls to 15-23 on the year.
 
“This is probably the first time all year that all three phases (pitching, hitting and defense) did not come to play,” said Eastern Illinois head coach Jim Schmitz. “I thought we would have had more energy after the big win against Morehead State on Sunday. Right now, we have to find a way to carry energy from a win into our next game.”
 
The Fighting Leathernecks (13-24-1) scored seven early runs, including five in the first inning, to take an early lead they would never relinquish. WIU scored a run in all but two innings of play.
 
Caleb Howell scored the Panthers lone run in the top of the sixth, crossing home plate on a sacrifice fly by Ryan Dineen.
 
WIU had nine more hits (13-4) than EIU, but committed two more errors (4-2). Both teams left seven runners on base in the contest.
 
Dineen, Howell, George Kalousek and Pete Strommen all posted one hit for the Panthers.
 
Andrew Grahn (0-5) took the loss on the mound for EIU, allowing seven runs (six earned) and eight hits in two innings of work. Luke Bushur, Keith Koser and Kalousek combined for three strikeouts while surrendering five hits and four runs (three earned) in the final six innings.
 
Alexander Zarate (1-2) picked up the win for WIU as he only allowed one hit and one run in six innings. He also recorded three strikeouts and two walks. Offensively, Austin Cowen went 2-for-3 at the plate with three runs and two RBI for the Leathernecks.
 
The Panthers return to action on Wednesday, April 25 when they play host to Benedictine University at 3 p.m.