Box Score
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Eastern Illinois softball took a one run lead in the top of the sixth inning after scoring five runs. Illinois added a single run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game and ultimately won 8-7 in the eight inning after an EIU fielding error to score the game winner. The Panthers fall to 10-23 overall.
Haley Mitchell hit a sac fly in the first inning to score
Megan Burton for the first run of the game. In the top of the fourth, Mitchell hit a solo homer to left field giving the Panthers a 2-1 edge over the Illini. Mitchell would finish the game 2-of-2 at the plate with two RBI.
Illinois added four runs in the fifth on a pair of doubles and a pair of singles to lead 6-2.
In the top of the sixth, the Panthers scored five runs all of which were unearned after a series of Illini errors.
Hannah Cravens hit a two-run double right center to score
Ashley Bartlett and
Kendyl McKeough. Burton singled through the right side as
Taylor Jones scored the final EIU run on a throwing error from the right fielder. Burton finished with three hits, one run scored, and a stolen base.
The Illini would tie the game in the bottom of the sixth on a double to force extra innings for EIU in just the second game this season. Thomas reached on a double to right center and would score the game winning run on a fielding error by EIU. Thomas finished 4-of-5 at the plate with three runs scored and one RBI.
Jade Montgomery made the start on the mound for EIU.
McKenna Coffman pitched an inning, while Cravens made her pitching debut pitching 2.2 innings.
The Panthers will be on the road this weekend with a pair of OVC doubleheaders. They will play at 2 and 4 pm this Friday at Tennessee Tech.
