MARION, Ill. --An outstanding offensive output was not enough for Morehead State on Saturday. The Eagles put up five runs, but could not hold the Eastern Illinois Panthers at bay, and were defeated 6-5. Morehead State finished the season 36-20.Â
Jarrett Miller (1-6) took the loss on the mound for Morehead State (36-20). The right-hander went 2.2 innings, giving up one run on one hit, allowing one walk and striking out four. Sophomore Will Grimmett was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going three shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking one and striking out two.
Colton Becker led the way offensively for the Eagles, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run and three RBI. Roman Kuntz put together a standout performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Jackson Feltner also contributed, going 1-for-3 for Morehead State with two walks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Eagles were trailing 5-0 in the first inning when they first put runs on the board. Junior Ryley Preece came across to score the lone run of the inning for Morehead State and get them on the board.
The Eagles kept the deficit at 5-1 before tying the score in the third. The Morehead State offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a three-run home run off the bat of Becker, which evened the score at 5-5. Eastern Illinois then scored one time over the remaining six innings to break the tie and grab the 6-5 win.
GAME NOTES
» Morehead State's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed four runs across.
» Morehead State pitchers faced 44 Eastern Illinois hitters in the game, allowing 12 ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Eagles drew four walks from Eastern Illinois pitching.
» Becker led the Eagles at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
Morehead State has many players participating in Summer Leagues around the country before returning to school in the fall. The Eagles return to action in the Spring of 2024, hoping to capture a fifth OVC Tournament Title.Â
