Eastern Illinois scored four runs in the opening frame but was held scoreless the rest of the way. The Panthers dropped their final midweek game of the season 15-4. EIU falls to 28-18 (15-9 OVC), while ISU improves to 32-20 (13-11 MVC).
The Panthers' fiery start resulted in four 1st inning runs to hold an early lead. Brett Stanley led the scoring run with an infield single. Following a four-pitch walk to Chris Worcester, James Love singled through the right side to load the bases.
Mike O'Conor crushed a grand slam to left field, clearing the bases for the game's first four runs.
Unfortunately, EIU was held scoreless for the final six innings, collecting only five more hits on the night.
The Redbirds wasted no time taking control of the momentum, matching the Panthers' four runs in the 2nd inning. Illinois State never looked back, scoring four runs in the next two innings. ISU clinched an early victory in the bottom of the seventh inning with six runs to extend the lead to the ten-run rule.
On the mound, Mac Zawistoski suffered his first loss of the season, moving his record to 2-1. He allowed six runs on ten hits in 2.1 innings of work.
Eddie Scaccia struggled in relief, allowing four earned runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings of work.
For the Redbirds, Brayden Zilis moved his record to 1-1 after the win. Zilis struck out five Panther hitters, throwing four scoreless innings.
Offensively, O'Conor went 1-4, collecting his 14th home run of the season and first grand slam of the year.
James Love and Ethan Rossi picked up two hits, while Stanley and Quade Peters each had one hit.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 4 Runs, 7 Hits, 1 Error
ISU: 15 Runs, 18 Hits, 0 Errors
Mike O'Conor: 1-3, HR (Grand Slam), 4 RBIs
Up Next: Panthers will close out the regular season with their final OVC series against Western Illinois starting Thursday at 2:00 PM.
