Eastern Illinois lost a pitching duel in extra innings against Northern Kentucky. The Panthers drop to 4-4 on the season, while NKU improves to 5-4. 

The Panthers' offense was clicking early, opening the game with their only run of the game. Brett Stanley opened the weekend with the first of just four hits for the Panthers, with a triple to right center. James Love brought Stanley home on a groundout to second.  

However, the early offense carried over to the bottom half of the first inning. With two runners on base, Williams singled to right, tying the game 1-1. Fortunately, for the Panthers' starter, Tyler Conklin found his rhythm, ending the inning with no trouble.  

The bats cooled off between the two teams, setting up a pitcher's duel the rest of the way. Conklin threw 107 pitches in 6.0 innings of work, striking out five batters, and allowed only three hits. For NKU, the Norse used five different pitchers, allowing four hits. Logan Wilson was given the starting nod and threw 4.2 innings, striking out four while giving up the lone Panthers runs. Carson French and Gabe Stout pitched roughly two innings apiece, allowing just one hit.  

In the final stages of the game, the Panthers threatened in the 9th inning. With only three hits as a team, Peyton Wilson found an offensive burst, doubling to left field. Ethan Rossi's flyout sent Wilson 90 feet away from breaking the tie, but shortly after EIU stranded the runner in scoring position. 

Heading into extra innings, Kyree Alexander was placed on second base; however, Eastern Illinois was unable to capitalize. NKU took advantage as both teams watched Pierce Bauerle hit a walk-off home run.  

By The Numbers 

James Love: 1-4 with an RBI 

Brett Stanley: 1-3 with a run and a triple  

Tyler Conklin: 107 pitches in 6.0 innings, 5 strikeouts, and 1 ER 

Up Next: EIU will continue their weekend series against NKU tomorrow, February 28th, at 12:00 PM CT.