Eastern Illinois University defeated Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) by a score of 11-1 on May 2, securing a series-clinching win. The Panthers remain tied for first place with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville after both teams won their Saturday games.
The game saw pitcher Bryce Riggs improve his record to 7-1, allowing only one earned run and striking out three over 7.1 innings. SEMO’s Mason Pennington took his third loss of the season after giving up six earned runs in just under three innings.
Both teams scored in the first inning, but Eastern Illinois quickly pulled ahead. After loading the bases with no outs, Riggs limited SEMO to one run before ending the threat. The Panthers responded with an RBI single from Mike O’Conor that brought Chris Worcester home.
Eastern Illinois extended its lead with two runs in the second inning and three more in the third. James Love hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, pushing the score to 8-1. The Panthers sealed their win early by scoring three additional runs in the eighth inning, which ended the game under college baseball’s run-rule provision.
Offensively, all Panthers except Peyton Wilson recorded at least one RBI. Love notched his eleventh multi-RBI game this season while Worcester achieved his twelfth multi-hit game of the year.
Looking ahead, Eastern Illinois will attempt a series sweep against SEMO tomorrow at 1:00 PM.
