Box ScoreNORMAL, Ill. – Despite falling behind after the first inning, the Eastern Illinois pitching staff received two quality appearances out of the bullpen from
Jake Johansmeier and
Andy Fisher, as the pair held the Redbirds scoreless for the final eight innings of the game. A
Mitch Gasbarro two-run double in the fourth inning provided the Panthers with just enough offense to take a 2-1 win over in-state rival Illinois State. The Panthers will look to carry their momentum into this weekend's OVC matchup at Murray State.
With the win, Eastern Illinois moves to 4-20 overall (0-6, OVC), as Illinois State falls to 7-17 on the season.
Illinois State took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Joe Kelch was hit by a pitch with one out in the inning. Kelch found his way on third base after an errant throw by EIU starting pitcher
Cole Berry on an attempted pick-off throw over to first base. Owen Miller scored Kelch on the next play with an RBI double down the left field line. Johansmeier came on in relief to hold the Redbirds to their lone run in the inning.
The Panthers took the lead with a pair of runs top of the fourth inning.
Demetre Taylor and
Frankie Perrone worked back-to-back walks to put runners at first and second for EIU. Gasbarro gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead with a two-run double over the head of the Illinois State left fielder.
Joshanmeier was in complete control on the mound as he held Illinois State scoreless for seven-straight innings, scattering four hits, and striking out eight batters. He improved to 2-2 on the year.
Eastern Illinois came up empty on a pair of scoring chances, as they stranded the bases loaded in the top of the eighth, and had
Joseph Duncan on third base in the top of the ninth.
Fisher came out of the bullpen for the Panthers in the bottom of the ninth and shut the Redbirds down in order for his first save of the season.
Cale Hennemann,
Nick Maton,
Jason Scholl, Taylor, Gasbarro, Perrone all recorded one hit each for the Panthers.
