EIU used their high-powered offense to fuel an 11-4 victory, scoring five runs in the third inning. The Panthers improved to 5-6, while the Knights dropped to 2-10.
Eastern Illinois kicked off their offensive power in the 2nd inning with a wild pitch driving in Chris Worcester for their first run of the game. Worcester went 3-3 with an RBI.
Bellarmine remained out early on, facing no trouble from Tyler Conklin, who got the starting nod for the Panthers.
Trailing 4-1, EIU exploded in the bottom of the third inning, scoring five runs on four hits. The Panthers earned the first two runs on the base paths, advancing on the Knights' mistakes. Ethan Rossi broke the deficit, smashing a home run to left field, scoring Worcester, Peyton Wilson, and James Love.
Shortly after, EIU put the game away in the next inning, scoring three runs on two hits. Kyree Alexander hit two home runs and recorded four RBIs, including a 3-run home run in the 4th, scoring Brett Stanley and Quade Peters.
Mac Zawistoski threw 2.1 scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit to seal the victory.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 11 runs, 13 hits, 3 errors
Bellarmine: 4 runs, 7 hits, 1 error
Kyree Alexander: 3-5 with 4 RBIs, 2 HR's
Ethan Rossi: 1-3 with 4 RBIs, HR
Chris Worcester: 3-3 with an RBI, HR
Tyler Conklin: 6.2 innings, 4 ER, 6 hits, 2 SO
Mac Zawistoski: 2.1 innings allowing one hit
Up Next: The Panthers will face Bellarmine in a doubleheader on Saturday.