Eastern Illinois scores two go-ahead runs in the 9th inning to beat Lindenwood, securing the series victory with one game remaining. EIU moves to 12-8, while the Lions fall to 10-12.
Bryce Riggs was efficient on the mound for the Panthers through the first seven innings. Riggs only allowed one run on five hits while striking out 11 Lions batters. For the Lions, Seth Benes was sharp, throwing 6.1 innings and only giving up two earned runs on five hits. A pitching duel between two of the top OVC pitchers held both offenses in check through the first six innings.
EIU drove in the game's first run in the third, fueled by Tyler Castro and Brett Stanley hitting back-to-back singles to begin the half-inning. After Chris Worcester reached on a fielder's choice, James Love collected an RBI groundout to third base, scoring Castro.
The bats were silent through the next three innings, entering the later stages of game two. However, both teams found life offensively in chaotic OVC fashion.
Zak Goodwin began the top half of the 7th with a single to left field. Quade Peters extended his hitting streak to four games, including a single to third base, beating the throw.
The Lions kept EIU off the home plate, throwing Goodwin out at home. However, Brett Stanley knocked down the door with a two-run RBI double down the right field line, scoring Drumke and Peters.
Lindenwood quickly responded with their first run of the day to cut into the Panthers' lead 3-1. In the bottom half of the 7th, Tanner Simpson singled to right center, scoring Kam Edwards.
Not too long after, Riggs surrendered two more runs in the 8th before Coach Anderson made the call to the bullpen.
Will Geary doubled to right center, followed by Jake Radosevich smashing a home run to left center.
However, EIU stayed composed and regained control in the final inning. Goodwin and Peters reached the base paths, setting up a go-ahead delivery. Worcester has now collected multiple RBIs in back-to-back games with a double to left center to give the Panthers a 5-4 lead.
The Lions attempted a final comeback, capitalizing on the Panthers' miscues, scoring one run in the 9th inning. James Geshel held on for his fourth save of the season, forcing a double play to win the second game of the series.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 5 Runs, 9 Hits, 2 Errors
Lindenwood: 4 Runs, 8 Hits, 1 Error
Bryce Riggs: 7.1 innings, 11 Strikeouts, 6 Hits, e ER
James Geshel: 1.0 innings, Save, Strikeout
Brett Stanley: 2-5 with 2 RBIs, 2B
Chris Worcester: 1-5 with 2 RBIs, 2B
Zak Goodwin: 1-2, 2x BB
James Love: 2-4 with an RBI
Up Next: EIU will wrap up the weekend series against Lindenwood on Sunday, March 22nd, with first pitch at 1:00 PM CT.
