Eastern Illinois University scored two go-ahead runs in the ninth inning to defeat Lindenwood on March 21, securing a series victory with one game remaining. The Panthers improved their record to 12-8, while the Lions dropped to 10-12.
The matchup was marked by strong pitching performances from both teams. Bryce Riggs led Eastern Illinois on the mound through the first seven innings, allowing only one run on five hits and striking out eleven batters. For Lindenwood, Seth Benes pitched 6.1 innings and gave up just two earned runs on five hits. Both offenses were limited through six innings as a result of this pitching duel.
Eastern Illinois opened the scoring in the third inning after Tyler Castro and Brett Stanley hit back-to-back singles. James Love drove in Castro with an RBI groundout to third base. The game remained quiet offensively until the seventh inning when Zak Goodwin and Quade Peters reached base for EIU, setting up Stanley’s two-run double down the right field line.
Lindenwood responded in the bottom of the seventh with Tanner Simpson singling home Kam Edwards, cutting into EIU’s lead. In the eighth inning, Will Geary doubled before Jake Radosevich hit a home run for Lindenwood, giving them a brief lead before EIU regained control in the ninth. Chris Worcester delivered a double to left center that brought home two runs for EIU.
The Lions attempted a comeback in their final at-bat, scoring once in the ninth inning due to defensive miscues by EIU. However, James Geshel secured his fourth save of the season by inducing a double play to end the game.
EIU recorded five runs on nine hits with two errors, while Lindenwood had four runs on eight hits and one error. Key performers included Riggs with eleven strikeouts over 7.1 innings and Stanley who went two-for-five with two RBIs.
The series will conclude on Sunday, March 22nd, with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 PM Central Time.
