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THIBODAUX, La. - The Eastern Illinois Panthers (1-1) split the day against the Nicholls State Colonels (1-1). The Colonels got the best of the Panthers in game one, winning 11-4. The Panthers took game two in a 4-3 win after a strong pitching performance by Ky Hampton and Alex Stevenson. The Panthers' pitching allowed only three hits on the game and no earned runs. The Panthers will return tomorrow at 2 p.m. to finish the series against Nicholls State.

QUICK HITS

GAME ONE
The Panthers dropped the opening game of the season after a tough pitching outing. The Panthers managed to strike first in the game in the third inning. Grant Emme reached base on a single to in the gap to right-center. Trey Sweeney followed with a double to deep left-center to put runners on second and third. Christian Pena stepped up to bat next for the Panthers. NSU's pitcher threw a ball past the catcher, which brought Emme around to score and put Sweeney on third. Pena managed to hit the ball deep to center, allowing Sweeney to tag up to score.

Keith Kerrigan started the Panthers' next rally with a hit down the right-field line to put him at first. Dalton Doyle was next to bat and drew a walk to put runners at first and second. Tarron Lawson exited the on-deck circle and laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Lucas DiLuca drew a walk to load the bases for Logan Eickhoff. Eickhoff delivered a rope past the shortstop to bring two home for the Panthers to put the score at 4-0.

Cameron Doherty took to the bump to start in the first game of the season. He pitched four innings and was pulled heading into the fifth inning after allowing three runs. He ended the day with three strikeouts, four hits, and three earned runs. 

Jason DeCicco was credited with the loss after letting up three earned in the fifth inning. 
 
GAME TWO
The Panthers started game two strong, scoring three runs in the first inning. Sweeney reached base after being hit by a pitch, which brought up Pena, who responded by smacking a shot up the middle past the pitcher to put runners at the corners. Sweeney and Pena advanced after a wild pitch to put the Panthers up 1-0 with a runner on second. Knernschield singled down the left-field line, which scored Pena. 

Doyle's double in the sixth inning put another run on the board for the Panthers after Pena scored again. The Panthers would hold this lead until the end of the game.

Hampton's debut was great, as he pitched to soft contact and allowed only two hits. He finished with four strikeouts and two walks. Stevenson pitched a gem, recording his first save of the season. Stevenson finished his day with seven strikeouts, one hit, one hit-by-pitch, and no earned runs. The Panthers will return to play Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m.