Eastern Illinois erupts for 25 runs in a high-scoring thriller against Memphis to close out the weekend series. EIU moves to 8-8 on the season, while the Tigers drop to 5-14.
This marks the fifth straight year the Panthers have scored 20 or more runs in a game. The historic offensive performance also marked the first time since 2011 that the Panthers scored 25 runs in a game, when EIU beat Morehead State 25-8.
EIU scored seven out of the nine innings, including nine in the 4th inning and six in the 8th. Chris Worcester led the way for the Panthers, going 3-6 with five RBIs and a home run. In addition to Worcester, the Panthers had three other players with three RBIs each. Overall, the offense totaled 25 runs, 19 hits, 20 RBIs, 13 walks, five doubles, three home runs, and a triple.
In the top of the fourth, EIU went nuclear, scoring nine runs on three hits. The inning started with the Panthers with bases loaded. Ethan Rossi singled to short, and each runner advanced on a throwing error by Javon Hernandez.
The momentum continued with O'Conor hitting an RBI single, followed by Tyler Castro and Melton each earning a walk, driving in two runs. The long inning continued, scoring six more runs on walks and wild pitches.
The game stretched to four and a half hours because the Tigers struggled on the mound. In the top of the 8th inning, EIU scored six more runs and four hits to put the game out of reach. The six runs were earned once again by wild pitches for the Tigers and a deep left three-run home run by Worcester.
Jarret Kinder threw 4.0 innings of relief, allowing zero earned runs and only three hits. On the bump for the Tigers, Seth Garner threw 2.1 innings, allowing five earned runs. Four separate bullpen arms for Memphis allowed four earned runs each.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 25 Runs, 19 Hits, 1 Error
Memphis: 14 Runs, 21 Hits, 2 Errors
Chris Worcester: 3-6 with 5 RBIs, 2B, HR
Ethan Rossi: 3-4 with 3 RBIs
Mike O'Conor: 4-1 with 3 RBIs, 2B, 3B, HR
Luke Melton: 2-5 with 3 RBIs, 2x 2B
Jarrett Kinder: 4.0 innings, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 Strikeouts
Up Next: EIU will travel to Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday and Wednesday before traveling to Lindenwood to open OVC play.
