Eastern Illinois University lost to Little Rock, 11-7, in the second game of their weekend baseball series on April 18. The Panthers’ defeat brings their record to 21-13 overall and 10-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference, while Little Rock improved to 22-17 and also holds a conference record of 10-4.
The outcome is significant as it affects both teams’ standings within the conference. Pitching difficulties played a key role for Eastern Illinois University (EIU), with starting pitcher Bryce Riggs allowing six runs and nine hits over just under four innings. Riggs recorded three strikeouts but was charged with his first loss of the season. Reliever Eddie Scaccia allowed two earned runs on four hits in one-third of an inning before Jarett Kinder finished the game by pitching four scoreless innings and allowing five hits.
Despite struggles on the mound, EIU’s offense remained active, scoring seven runs on ten hits. The Panthers started strong by scoring five runs in the first inning. James Love contributed with a single that brought Brett Stanley home; Stanley extended his hitting streak to 31 games during this at-bat. Mike O’Conor added an RBI single, followed by Peyton Wilson’s bloop single that scored two more runners. Tyler Castro capped off the inning with a play that brought Zak Goodwin across home plate.
Little Rock responded quickly after EIU’s early lead, scoring eleven combined runs over three consecutive innings—two in the third, four in the fourth, and five more in the fifth—to secure their win for this matchup.
Notable performances included James Love going two-for-four at bat with two RBIs and a home run; Peyton Wilson recording one hit and two RBIs; and Mike O’Conor collecting two hits with one RBI.
EIU will aim to recover from this loss when they face Little Rock again on Sunday afternoon.
