CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois (13-11, 4-5 OVC) fell 4-3 in a seven-inning game to the Illinois State Redbirds (8-14, 0-0 MVC).
Nick Laxner got the start for the Panthers in Tuesday's game but was awarded the loss after 4.0 innings. The game was called after heavy rain with the threat of lightning. The Panthers will face Belmont in an OVC series this weekend.
QUICK HITS
GAME TWO
The Redbirds struck first in the opening frame with a lead-off double that turned into a 1-0 lead.
Eastern Illinois managed to tie the game up after a lead-off single from
Ryan Knernschield. Kerrigan followed it up with a double to score the runner and tie the game up 1-1.
The Redbirds scored three more runs before the seventh inning.
The Panthers started a rally in the bottom of the fourth. Doyle led off with a walk, and after two outs,
Ben Snapp drew a walk of his own. DiLuca laid down a perfect bunt to load the bases for
Dane Toppel. Toppel drew a walk, and
Trey Sweeney followed with another walk. The Panthers had walked back into the game, chipping away at the Illinois State lead, 4-3.
 The game was called after the seventh inning due to weather.
ON DECK
The Panthers will travel to Nashville, Tenn., this weekend for a series against the Belmont Bruins. The Panthers will open this series, Friday at 4 p.m.Â
