Bryce Riggs led the Panthers to a bounce-back run-rule victory over the Golden Eagles in eight innings. EIU improves to 16-11 (6-2 OVC), while Tennessee Tech drops to 10-21 (1-7 OVC).  

Riggs was impressive once again on the mound, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and two walks. He also collected three strikeouts and forced nine flyouts. With the win, Riggs remains undefeated with a 5-0 record. Blaine Nunnally threw 1.0 innings of relief, allowing one earned run on one hit.  

Alongside the impressive pitching, the Panthers' offense was red-hot, including Brett Stanley continuing the hit streak to 24 games. Stanley now holds the longest hitting streak in EIU history since 1991. Stanley went 2-3 with five RBIs and a home run. EIU smashed three long balls, a triple, and two doubles to ensure the highlight of the offensive outing. 

Mike O'Conor was a catalyst at the end of the lineup, finishing with three RBIs, two hits, and a home run. Chris Worcester had the third home run of the night and went 2-5 with three RBIs.  

Quade Peters returned from injury and did not waste any time making his mark. Peters went a perfect 4-4 with two RBIs.  

The Panthers scored two runs in the first inning once again with Worcester's home run to left field, scoring Stanley.  

The Golden Eagles' nightmare continued with two EIU runs in the 2nd inning, followed by five runs in the 5th.  

In the 5th inning, Mike O'Conor hit a long shot to deep center field, scoring Castro. Shortly after, Stanley hits the second home run of the inning, with a shot to left center, driving in Peters.  

EIU ensured the run rule in the 7th inning, with four final runs. With runners on first and second, Stanley collected a triple to right center, scoring Ethan Rossi and Peters.  

Tennessee Tech did not have the Panthers' pitching performance, using four pitchers, allowing 13 runs on 15 hits. The starter, Garrett Holpuch, threw 1.1 innings and allowed four earned runs on three hits. 

By The Numbers: 

EIU: 13 Runs, 15 Hits, 0 Errors 

Tennessee Tech: 1 Run, 4 Hits, 0 Errors  

Bryce Riggs: 6.0 innings, 3 Hits, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 Strikeouts 

Brett Stanley: 2-5 with 5 RBIs, HR, 3B 

Chris Worcester: 1-4 with 2 RBIs, HR 

Tyler Castro: 2-2 with a 2B 

James Love: 2-4 with an RBI, 2B 

Mike O'Conor: 2-5 with 3 RBIs, HR 

Quade Peters: 4-4 with 2 RBIs 

Up Next: The Panthers will complete the series against Tennessee Tech on Saturday at 12:00 PM CT.