The Eastern Illinois Panthers (8-8) will face Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8-12) in a two-game midweek series beginning Tuesday, March 17, at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Following the series, EIU will open Ohio Valley Conference play against Lindenwood University (10-10) from March 20-22 in St. Charles, Missouri.
Offensive Surge
Following a run-rule loss to Memphis, the Panthers’ offense rebounded strongly, scoring 37 runs in the next two games. EIU scored 12 runs on 20 hits in game two and then 25 runs in game three – the most runs scored in a single game since 2011. Nine different Panthers recorded a multi-RBI game across those two contests.
Last Weekend’s Results
Eastern Illinois won two of three games against Memphis, with the series finale lasting four and a half hours. Chris Worcester led the Panthers offensively, batting .500 with seven hits, six RBIs and a home run. Peyton Wilson too batted .500 with six hits, five RBIs, and a home run, although Ethan Rossi hit .667 with six hits and an on-base percentage of .769. As a team, EIU leads the OVC in on-base percentage at .417.
Opponent Preview
Arkansas-Pine Bluff enters the week with an 8-12 record after sweeping Mississippi Valley State. They previously faced Lindenwood earlier this season, splitting the two-game series 2-2. The Golden Lions are led by first-year Head Coach Logan Stout and offensively by Aaron Grant, who is batting .359 with 14 hits, 12 RBIs, and three home runs. On the mound, Brendan Hamlin has a 1.93 ERA in 14.0 innings pitched.
Lindenwood finished sixth in the OVC last season with a 30-30 record and currently holds a 10-10 record. They recently won a weekend series against Murray State, the reigning Missouri Valley Conference champions. The Lions are coached by PJ Finigan and are led offensively by Tyler Ellis (.309 batting average, 17 hits, 11 RBIs) and Jake Radosevich (.299 batting average, 20 hits, 18 RBIs). Seth Benes has a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings pitched.
Series History
Eastern Illinois leads the all-time series against Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6-1. EIU won the first five matchups before splitting the two-game series last year. Against Lindenwood, EIU holds a 13-1 advantage, winning the first twelve games before losing the regular season finale last year. The two teams also met in the OVC tournament semifinals last year, with EIU winning 3-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eastern Illinois’ record?
Eastern Illinois is currently 8-8 overall and 0-0 in the OVC.
Who leads Arkansas-Pine Bluff?
Arkansas-Pine Bluff is led by Head Coach Logan Stout and offensively by Aaron Grant, who is batting .359.
What is Lindenwood’s record?
Lindenwood is currently 10-10 overall.
As Eastern Illinois prepares to begin conference play, what role will their recent offensive success play in their pursuit of another OVC title?
