MONROE, La. – Some strong pitching performances were the headline for EIU baseball on Sunday, as the Panthers (1-2, 0-0 OVC) got in the win column for the first time of 2025 with a 6-2 victory over Louisiana Monroe (2-1, 0-0 Sun Belt).

EIU got on the board first with a Pierce Bauerle RBI single that scored Eli Hill, who had initially reached base with a single in the lead-off spot.

In the bottom of the second, the first two Warhawk batters reached on errors, but Tyler Kapraun retired the next three batters to preserve the early 1-0 lead.

ULM would load the bases with two outs in both the third and fourth innings, but Kapraun stayed cool and worked out of both jams without allowing a single run.

In the fifth, the Panthers got back into the scoring column as an Eli Hill single down the left field line drove home Quade Peters, who had previously stolen second to reach scoring position.

Kapraun would carry the shutout into the sixth inning before being relieved by Anthony Solis. The lefty finished his day with zero runs allowed and three strikeouts through five and a third innings.

Solis kept the momentum going early on as he retired his first four batters faced. However, fueled by extra-base hits from Bryce Blaser and Henry Garcia Jr., the Warhawks put together a two-out rally in the seventh that tied the game at 2-2.

The stalemate did not last long, though. With two out and two already on in the top of the eighth, three consecutive EIU batters were hit by errant pitches, which allowed the Panthers to quickly regain their two-run advantage.

Zak Goodwin extended the lead further with a single that scored Ethan Rossi and Cade Zalewski, making the score 6-2.

Now with a four-run lead, Bryce Riggs was called upon to close the game on the mound, and he certainly delivered. The 2024 OVC All-Freshman selection put out the final six ULM batters in order, including three by strikeout, to secure Eastern's first victory of the 2025 season.

Next up for the Panthers is a trip to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where they are set to take on Arkansas State next weekend. Game one is scheduled for Friday, February 21st at 3 p.m.