Eastern Illinois completes the series sweep over Lindenwood with a 9-6 victory. EIU improves to 13-8, while the Lions drop to 10-13. The Panthers remain undefeated to start OVC play with a perfect 3-0 record.
EIU trailed early on, but their offense exploded in the final half of the game, scoring seven runs to keep the Lions at arm's length.
The Panther offense collected 12 hits, four doubles, three walks, one triple, one home run, and a .875 OPS.
Eastern Illinois trailed early, with the Lions striking in the first inning. Ethan Cantareira, batting second in the Lions' order, tripled to left center and later scored on a fielder's choice.
Trailing 2-0 in the 4th inning, EIU's offense responded. Peyton Wilson erased his three-game hitless streak. Wilson hit his third home run of the season to left field to give the Panthers their first run of the day.
Both teams found the home plate in the 5th inning, keeping the Lions out in front 3-2. Brett Stanley extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a double to left center, advancing Tyler Castro to third. Casto later scored on a Worcester groundout to third base.
Then, the Panthers' offense went nuclear, scoring seven runs in the second half of the game, which was too much for the Lions to overcome.
The 6th inning was highlighted by three EIU runs, each earned by a fielder's choice. Wilson singled to center field, followed by Luke Melton and Quade Peters, who reached first on a walk and a hit by pitch. Then, Castro scored Wilson on an RBI fielder's choice. The inning was rounded out with Stanley reaching safely on a fielder's choice, scoring Peters.
Lindenwood attempted to regain control, scoring a run in the 7th, but EIU controlled the game the rest of the way, scoring four more runs to close the door on the weekend series.
The Panthers scored their final two runs with their power hitters, Stanley and Worcester. Stanley tripled to right field, scoring Castro, who reached first on a single. Shortly after, Worcester collected his second RBI and third double of the game, driving in Stanley to wrap up the offensive clinic.
The Lions threatened a stunning comeback, scoring two runs in the ninth. However, Dalton Boruff held on for the save.
On the mound for the Panthers, Anthony Solis threw 4.2 innings, allowing three runs and five hits while collecting two strikeouts. Nate Marshall threw 2.0 innings of relief, collecting three strikeouts.
For Lindenwood, Lucas Niemeyer threw 101 pitches in 5.1 innings, allowing four runs and four hits, while totaling five strikeouts.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 9 Runs, 12 Hits, 1 Error
Lindenwood: 6 Runs, 9 Hits, 2 Errors
Brett Stanley: 2-6 with 2 RBIs, 3B, 2B
Chris Worcester: 3-5 with 2 RBIs, 3x 2B
Peyton Wilson: 3-5 with 2 RBIs
Tyler Castro: 1-4 with an RBI
Up Next: The Panthers will officially play their home opener on Tuesday against Northern Illinois before welcoming Morehead State to Coaches Stadium for an OVC weekend series.
