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CHARLESTON, Ill. – The season long chase to get to the top of the Eastern Illinois career hits list ended on Wednesday afternoon for Panthers senior outfielder Caleb Howell as he connected for career hit number 261 in the second inning of a 18-3 win over Illinois College at Coaches Stadium.
 
Howell, a native of Jacksonville, Ill., picked up the record setting hit against the college located in his home town.  He drew a walk his first time at the plate in first inning as the Panthers scored four runs on a Brant Valach grand slam.  In the second Howell laced a single to right field to move into sole possession of the hits record.  The previous record of 260 was held by Ryan Campbell (2004-07).  Howell exited the game following the second inning going 1-for-1.
 
Valach provided the offensive punch for the Panthers as the senior third baseman was 3-for-3 with seven RBI.  Valach moved into the EIU career top ten for RBI in the second inning with his RBI single to right.  He added two more RBI with a double to center in the third inning.
 
The early offense was all senior starter Christian Slazinik (1-4) would need to pick up the win.  EIU had five pitchers work on the day allowing ten hits while picking up 13 strikeouts.  Slazinik had five strikeouts while Garrison Stenger set down four batters on strikes.
 
Illinois College scored all three of its runs in the seventh inning.  Nick Dalfonso and Jonathan Schrage drove home runs in the inning while the final Blueboys run scored on a wild pitch.  D.J. Davis (2-3) suffered the loss for Illinois College.  Josh Krumwiede was 3-for-4 at the plate.
 
EIU scored 12 runs in the first three innings.  Bobby Wenthe had a two-run double in the second and drove home another run in the third.  Wenthe was 2-for-3 as seven Panthers finished with multiple hits.
 
Adam Casson was 3-for-5 hitting a home run in the sixth inning.  The Panthers finished with five doubles and two home runs racking up 22 hits.  Marshawn Taylor led the way with a 4-for-6 game.
 
EIU improved to 5-26 on the season and will play a weekend OVC series at Belmont.  Illinois College fell to 9-13.