Eastern Illinois scored five runs in the 7th inning to move past the Bulldogs for a needed bounce-back win heading into the OVC weekend. With the win, EIU improves to 22-14 (10-5 OVC), while Butler falls to 15-25 (5-4 Big East).
Trailing 4-3 in the 7th inning, the Panthers plated five runs to take control of Tuesday's victory. EIU began the inning with back-to-back singles from Quade Peters and Brett Stanley. Chris Worcester quickly loaded the bases after reaching on a hit by pitch. The tying run was easily earned after James Love reached first on a walk. Moments later, Peyton Wilson cleared the bases with a three-RBI double to left field. Wilson's fifth double of the year broke open the game with a new 8-4 advantage.
Prior to the scoring barrage, the Panthers drove in three runs, including two in the second inning. Tyler Castro singled to left field, scoring Mike O'Conor, who reached on a full count walk. EIU tagged on another run by Colin Horneman laying down a bunt in front of the catcher, scoring Wilson.
Butler took their first lead in the 6th inning off of Panthers miscues. With bases loaded, Anthony Solis walked David Ayers, followed by a throwing error back to Horneman behind the plate, allowing two Butler runs. The third platted run came from Charlie Schebler grounding out to Worcester, driving in Aidan Thaxton.
With an 8-4 lead heading into the 8th inning, the Bulldogs had the Panthers on the edge of their seats. Butler scored two runs in the top of the 8th inning to cut the lead to two runs favoring Eastern Illinois.
However, EIU put the game out of reach in the bottom half, led by James Love. With Stanley and Worcester on base, Love smashed a home run to deep left field, closing the game out with an 11-6 victory.
Mac Zawistoski was stellar in his first start on the mound, throwing 5.0 innings and allowing only one earned run.
Solis earned his first win of the season, tossing 2.0 innings, allowing only one earned run while collecting three strikeouts.
James Geshel held on for his seventh save of the season, throwing 1.2 innings with two strikeouts.
For the Bulldogs, Zak White gets charged for his second loss of the season after not recording an out and allowing three earned runs.
Offensively, Love extended his on-base streak to 40 games after earning two walks and a home run. Peters pushed his on-base streak to 15 games after a three-hit performance.
With the three RBI doubles in the 7th inning, Wilson now holds eight multi-RBI games.
After earning two hits, Brett Stanley leads the team with 13 multi-hit games this season.
By The Numbers
EIU: 11 Runs, 9 Hits, 2 Errors
Butler: 6 Runs, 7 Hits, 2 Errors
Peyton Wilson: 1-3, 3 RBIs, 2B
James Love: 1-3, 4 RBIs, HR, SB
Tyler Castro: 1-4 with an RBI
Quade Peters: 3-4 with an RBI
Brett Stanley: 2-5, SB
Mike O'Conor:1-4 with 2x SB
Mac Zawistoski: 5.0 innings, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 3 Strikeouts
Up Next: Panthers will travel to UT Martin for an OVC weekend series
