Eastern Illinois scored double-digit runs for the 14th time this season to surpass the Braves in the midweek contest. With the win, EIU moves to 25-15 on the year, while Bradley falls to 8-37.
The Panther's win was highlighted by an offensive explosion in the 2nd inning, scoring five runs to jump out to an early 6-0 lead.
After scoring a first-inning run for the 19th time this season, Eastern Illinois broke open the game with five runs in the 2nd inning.
Colin Horneman opened the frame with back-to-back base hits collected by Colin Horneman and Quade Peters. Tyler Castro loaded the bases after a hit-by-pitch. Brett Stanley began his big night with a base hit to left field, scoring Horneman.
The Braves made a switch on the mound, but Chris Worcester reloaded the bases on a four-pitch walk. EIU collected back-to-back base hits once again, provided by Mike O'Conor and Peyton Wilson, to close out the inning with a 6-0 lead.
In the bottom of the second inning, Bradley quickly cut the deficit in half. The Braves battled Mac Zawistoski in his second start this season, with Angelo Aleman doubling to left field for their first two runs. The final run of the inning came off a right-field single, scoring Aleman.
With a shrinking 6-4 lead, EIU rebounded with two insurance runs in the 5th. Executing small ball to perfection, the Panthers manufactured the two additional runs through a sequence of base hits. Horneman led off with a base hit to center field, followed by Peter's bunt down the third-base line. Stanley, who went 3-4 with three RBIs, scored Horrneman on the single, which then plated Peters on the throwing error by the Braves' defense.
Horneman, taking advantage of his midweek start, went 3-5 with an RBI double in the top of the 6th inning, scoring Dylan Drumke, who pinch-hit for Ethan Rossi.
However, EIU was not done yet, as they plated three more runs before the Braves' nightmare was over.
In the top of the 8th, the Panthers forced two of the 10 used arms out of the bullpen, scoring three additional runs.
Peters collected his third base hit of the night, finishing 3-6 with two stolen bases. Stanley plated Peters with a double to left field. Stanley was quickly driven home by an RBI base hit by James Love. O'Conor put a bow on the contest with an RBI single to right field, scoring Worcester.
On the mound, Mac Zawistoski remains perfect, earning his second win of the season. Zawistowski allowed four earned runs on nine in 5.0 innings of work while collecting three strikeouts.
On the opposite side, the Braves used 10 different arms, crediting Calen Schedier with the loss. In 1.0 innings, Scheider allowed one earned run and three walks, finishing with zero strikeouts.
Offensively, Stanley moved to 14 multi-hit games and 10 multi-RBI games on the season. O'Conor moved his multi-RBI games to 8 total. Horneman collected his first multi-hit game of the season.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 12 Runs, 14 Hits, 1 Error
Bradley: 4 Runs, 11 Hits, 2 Errors
Brett Stanley; 3-4, 3 RBIs, 2B, 2x BB
Colin Horneman: 3-5 with an RBI, 2B
Mike O'Conor: 2-5 with 4 RBIs
Quade Peters: 3-6
Up Next: Panthers will face SEMO this Friday at 6:00 PM for an OVC showdown.
