The EIU Baseball team opened their weekend series at Arkansas State. With today's win the Panthers move to 4-1, while the Red Wolves fall to 3-2. Bryce Riggs and Quade Peters lead the way for the Panthers in today's win. 

The Panthers overcame a slow offensive start to the game to earn the opening series victory. EIU recorded three hits but stranded four runners in the first three innings. The Red Wolves took advantage quickly, scoring two early runs in the first two innings. However, Tyler Conklin recovered and closed the door on Arkansas State's offense. Conklin pitched five innings and gave up only four hits.  

EIU overcame the 2-0 deficit in the 4th inning starting with a shallow center field single by Ethan Rossi. Zak Goodwin added a base hit before Peters drove in the first run off a bunt. With two runners in scoring positions, Tyler Castro and Kyree Alexander struck out swinging, stranding key runners.  

The decisive moment in the game came at the halfway point in the game. James Love doubled to deep center field and scored off the bat of Peyton Wilson, who singled to shallow right to tie the game 2-2. EIU refused to slow down, earning the winning run in the 5th inning. Wilson was driven in by Dylan Drumke, who hit an RBI single.  

A pitching duel kept both teams at bay the rest of the way. There were only two hits combined from both teams in the last four innings, both by the Red Wolves. Bryce Riggs relieved Conklin, pitching four scoreless innings with four strikeouts. 

By The Numbers: 

Quade Peters: 2-4 with an RBI 

Dylan Drumke: 1-3 with an RBI 

James Love: 1-4 with a double  

Peyton Wilson: 1-4 with an RBI 

Brett Stanley: 2-4 with a stolen base  

Tyler Conklin: 5.0 innings, 85 pitches, 2 ER. 4 hits, 2 Strikeouts  

Bryce Riggs: 4.0 innings, 54 pitches, 2 hits, 4 strikeouts 

Up Next: The Panthers have two remaining games against Arkansas State on Saturday and Sunday to complete the weekend.