The Panthers opened the end of the week series with a 21-6 loss to Tennessee Tech. EIU drops to 15-11 (5-2 OVC), while the Golden Eagles improve to 10-20 (1-6 OVC).  

EIU struggled on the mound, leading to an offensive outburst by Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles scored 21 runs on 23 hits. Eastern Illinois used three different pitchers in the game but was unable to find a rhythm.  

Panthers ace Tyler Conklin had an unusual outing, throwing only 2.2 innings. The starter allowed 12 earned runs on 13 hits with two walks. Conklin collected one strikeout in the loss, moving his record to 5-2 on the season. In relief, Hayden Trier tossed 2.2 innings as well, allowing seven earned runs on seven hits.  

Tennessee Tech scored three or more runs in every inning outside of the 5th inning. The home team scored five runs in the 2nd and six runs in the 6th to ensure a run-rule victory.  

Despite the pitching struggles, the Panthers offense was rolling early. EIU scored four first-inning runs to take an early lead. Joey Hagen was a catalyst, finishing with a triple with four RBIs. Mike O'Conor tallied three hits and RBI, followed by an RBI by Peyton Wilson. 

Brett Stanley kept the hitting streak alive with his lone hit of the game. Stanley is now tied with the longest hitting streak in EIU history since 1991.  

EIU added a run in the 5th and 6th innings to avoid a run-rule loss but was unable to cut the deficit any further due to leaving 10 runners on base throughout the game.  

By The Numbers

EIU: 6 Runs, 11 Hits, 0 Errors 

Tennessee Tech: 21 Runs, 23 Hits, 0 Errors  

Brett Stanley: Hitting streak extended to 23 games 

Joey Hagen: 2-4 with 4 RBIs, 3B 

Mike O'Conor: 3-3 with an RBI  

Up Next: EIU will continue the weekend OVC series on Friday with the first pitch set for 6:00 PM CT