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Charleston, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois baseball team returned home to Coaches Stadium for the first time after opening up the 2018 season with 15 straight road games with an Ohio Valley Conference matchup against Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks spoiled the Panther's home opener defeating Eastern Illinois 11-0.

With the series-opening loss, Eastern Illinois dropped to 7-9 (0-1 OVC), while Jacksonville State improved to 11-5 (2-2 OVC).

Jacksonville State broke the scoring column open in the third inning scoring three runs. The Gamecocks would build on their lead throughout the afternoon taking control conference matchup.

Garrett Farmer got the start on the hill for the Gamecocks in game one of the series. Farmer tossed 7.2 shutout innings, striking out nine batters, allowing four hits, and three walks. Farmer earned his second win in five starts, and improved to 2-0 on the season.

Matt Albert attempted to ignite a Panther rally in the bottom of the eighth with a one-out single through the left side. Albert would advance to second becoming the Panthers first running in scoring position on the day when Andrew Curran drew a walk.

Nic Gaddis finished the afternoon 2-for-3 with three RBIs, two doubles, two walks, and a run. Isaac Alexander finished 2-for-6 with three RBIs, two doubles, and a run. Cole Fredrick went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, two runs, a walk, and a home run.

Alex Stevenson suffered the loss on the mound for the Panthers, going 1.1 innings allowing three runs.

Weather permitting, Eastern Illinois and Jacksonville State will play Saturday at 1 p.m.