MARTIN, Tenn. – It took one extra inning but in the eighth Eastern Illinois was able to come up with the big hits it needed as the Panthers completed a weekend sweep over UT Martin. The Panthers won 5-2 to win their seventh straight.
EIU improved to 13-9 overall, 3-0 in the OVC. UTM fell to 6-11 overall, 0-3 in the OVC.
Both teams starting pitchers were strong through seven innings with both starters working into the eighth.
EIU had a scoring opportunity in the top of the seventh but had a runner thrown out at the plate keeping the game scoreless through seven.
In the eighth EIU broke through against UTM starter Kiersten Nixon (0-4).
Lindy Milkowski drove in two with a bases loaded single back up the middle.
Rachel Kaufman then cleared the bases with a three-run homer to stake EIU to a 5-0 lead.
Alexa Rehmeier (4-2) went the distance for EIU allowing just two hits. The second hit for UTM came in the eighth with one runner on as Kallie Pickens connected for a two-run home run. Rehmeier had six strikeouts while issuing three walks.
Nixon allowed five hits but issued seven walks in the contest.
Jaylen Prichard had two of the five hits for EIU.
