Eastern Illinois scored double-digit runs for the 12th time this season to clinch the series victory over UT Martin. EIU improves to 24-14 (12-5 OVC), while the Skyhawks fall to 20-22 (6-11 OVC).
The Panthers scored six runs in a single inning in back-to-back games to overpower the Skyhawks' pitching. On the mound for UT Martin, Gehrig Wright was credited with his fifth loss of the season. Wright allowed four earned runs and nine hits in 6.0 innings of work.
EIU struck first with two runs in the second inning, which was highlighted by Peyton Wilson's fourth home run of the season, scoring Mike O'Conor, who reached on an infield single.
The lead was short-lived as UT Martin scored three runs in the 3rd inning. After Bryce Riggs gave up two walks, TJ Dunsford cleared the bases with a home run to left center field.
Shortly after, the Panthers retook the lead and did not look back, scoring two runs in the 4th inning.
Zak Goodwin singled through the left side of the field, followed by Wilson's double down the left-field line. After the Skyhawks' mound visit, Quade Peters singled to short, scoring Goodwin. The second run arrived after Tyler Castro laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring Wilson from third.
Panthers broke open the game in the 7th inning, scoring six runs to extend their lead to 10-4.
James Love began the inning with a single through the left side of the infield, followed by O'Conor reaching on a walk. Goodwin reached on a single through the left side of the infield to load the bases. Next, chaos ensued; a wild pitch thrown by the Skyhawks drove in Love. Shortly after, Wilson walked and loaded the bases once again. Ethan Rossi forced another Panthers' walk, scoring O'Conor. Peters drew the third straight walk for EIU, scoring Goodwin.
UT Martin's nightmare continued, walking Castro for the fourth walk in the 7th inning, which scored Wilson.
Chris Worcester reached on a fielder's choice hit to the shortstop, driving in Rossi for the 5th run of the inning.
The Panthers batted around to score the sixth run of the inning, which came from the fifth walk of the inning. Love drew the walk on a 3-1 count, scoring Peters from third.
UT Martin scored three runs in the final two innings but was unable to further their comeback as Anthony Solis held on for his second win of the season.
Solis struck out seven batters in 5.0 innings of work while allowing three earned runs. With the win, he moves to 2-2 on the season.
Offensively, the Panthers drew nine walks, including three by Castro. Wilson, Peters, and Castro added to their multi-RBI game totals. Wilson is now at nine, Peters is at six, and Castro has five.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 10 Runs, 11 Hits, 1 Error
UT Martin: 6 Runs, 9 Hits, 1 Error
Mike O'Conor: 2-4, 2B
Peyton Wilson: 2-4, 2 RBIs, HR, 2B
Quade Peters: 2-3, 2 RBIs, 2x BB
Tyler Castro: 2 RBIs, 3x BB
Up Next: EIU will attempt the series sweep over UT Martin tomorrow, with first pitch set for 1:00 PM CT.
