Eastern Illinois University secured a 9-6 victory over Lindenwood on March 22, completing a series sweep and improving their record to 13-8. The Panthers remain undefeated in Ohio Valley Conference play with a perfect 3-0 start, while the Lions fall to 10-13.
The game saw Eastern Illinois trailing early, but the team’s offense surged in the latter half, scoring seven runs to maintain control. The Panthers collected a total of 12 hits, including four doubles, one triple, one home run, and drew three walks for an .875 OPS.
Lindenwood took an early lead in the first inning when Ethan Cantareira tripled and later scored on a fielder’s choice. Peyton Wilson ended his three-game hitless streak by hitting his third home run of the season in the fourth inning, putting Eastern Illinois on the board. Brett Stanley extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a double in the fifth inning and contributed two RBIs overall.
The sixth inning proved pivotal as Eastern Illinois scored three runs through fielder’s choices. Wilson singled to center field before being driven in by Tyler Castro’s RBI fielder’s choice. Stanley also reached safely on a fielder’s choice that brought Quade Peters home.
Despite Lindenwood’s efforts to rally late—scoring two runs in the ninth—the Panthers held firm with Dalton Boruff securing the save. On the mound for Eastern Illinois, Anthony Solis pitched 4.2 innings allowing three runs and five hits with two strikeouts; Nate Marshall provided relief with two innings and three strikeouts.
Looking ahead, Eastern Illinois will play its home opener against Northern Illinois before hosting Morehead State for another conference series at Coaches Stadium.
