Eastern Illinois rides the excellent performance of Bryce Riggs on the mound to remain undefeated in OVC play. With the win, EIU moves to 15-9 (5-0 OVC), while the Eagles drop to 11-16.
Bryce Riggs threw eight perfect innings and nearly recorded a no-hitter until Kyle Krupp hit an infield single in the 9th inning.
The final line for Riggs was 8.1 innings, throwing 109 pitches, allowing two hits and two runs. Riggs completed the resume with eight strikeouts, including three looking strikeouts.
Blaine Nunnally was called upon in the bullpen to complete the impressive pitching performance. Nunnally threw 0.2 innings, striking out two batters and allowing one hit.
On the mound for the Eagles, Luke Hayes battled throughout his first career start. Hayes tosses 3.1 innings, allowing one hit but gave up five walks.
Landon Waugh was given the loss, throwing 2.2 innings, allowing seven runs; however, only one of the runs was earned. Panthers took advantage of back-to-back chaotic miscues to break open the game in the sixth.
Both teams were affected by a slow offensive start, with the game held scoreless through the first four complete innings. Joey Hagen drove the first run of the game with an RBI single to left field, scoring James Love.
The next time up to bat, the Panthers sped away from the Eagles, scoring six runs in the bottom of the sixth innings. Morehead State's defensive mishaps allowed EIU to take control the rest of the way.
Morehead State's nightmare started with back-to-back singles by Mike O'Conor and Tyler Castro. Then, chaos arrived; a throwing error by Landon Waugh to first base scored O'Conor and Castro. Seconds later, Chris Worcester reached first on a fielding error by Jaden Correa.
Love's sacrifice fly to right field drove in Stanley for the fourth run of the game. Wilson picked up an infield single and advanced on a wild pitch. With two runners in scoring position, Ethan Rossi singled down the left field line, scoring Wilson and Worcester.
The final run of the game came from an RBI single delivered by Zak Goodwin, scoring Rossi.
Riggs was three outs away from a no-hitter but fell short, allowing two runs on two hits before handing the ball to Nunnally to complete the Saturday victory.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 7 Runs, 9 Hits, 1 Error
Morehead State: 2 Runs, 3 Hits, 2 Errors
Bryce Riggs: 8.1 innings, 109 pitches, 8 Strikeouts, 2 Hits, 2 Runs
Tyler Castro: 2-4 with a BB
Ethan Rossi: 1-2 with 2 RBIs
James Love: 0-1 with an RBI, 3x BB
Joey Hagen: 2-5 with an RBI
Zak Goodwin: 1-4 with an RBI
Brett Stanley: Extends hitting streak to 21
Up Next: Panthers will look to complete the series sweep with the final game on Sunday at 1:00 PM CT.
