Box Score |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Eastern Illinois baseball team fell behind two runs in the early going and eventually suffered a 5-0 loss on the road at Alabama on Tuesday afternoon.
Eastern Illinois fell to 1-14 while Alabama improved to 10-6.
Alabama broke the scoring column first in the game in the bottom of the second inning. Following a one-out walk to Chandler Taylor, a groundout moved Taylor into scoring position. Cody Henry hit a blooper into right-center field for an RBI single. Another single by Connor Short put runners on the corners for Alabama. The Crimson Tide scored their second run of the game on a passed ball and took a 2-0 lead over the Panthers.
After adding a run to their total in the fifth on a passed ball, the Alabama offense extended their lead once more with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Henry led off the sixth with a solo home run to right. Alabama worked the bases loaded on an Eastern Illinois' error followed by a pair of singles. Cobie Vance drew a bases-loaded walk to plate another run.
Devin Rose came out of the bullpen for the Panthers and got the first two batters out that he faced to end the Alabama threat and kept the score at 5-0.
Alex Stevenson and
Michael Starcevich threw a scoreless inning of relief each for the Panthers following Rose.
Joseph Duncan led off the top of the ninth with an infield single. Duncan found his way to third base following a groundout and a fly out. Alabama pitcher, Mike Oczypok, kept Duncan stranded at third, producing a groundout to end the game.
Brendon Allen took the loss for the Panthers as he allowed two runs (one earned) in two innings pitched.
Nicholas McCormick,
Matt Albert, and Duncan all recorded one hit each in the game.
The Panthers will open up Ohio Valley Conference play this weekend with a three-game slate at Jacksonville State.
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