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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Panther baseball team defeated Big Ten member Illinois, 8-4, on Tuesday night at Illinois Field. EIU extended its win streak to five games while improving to 11-18 on the year.
 
“It was an unbelievable win,” said Eastern Illinois head coach Jim Schmitz. “We methodically worked the entire game. The guys are working hard and taking a business-like approach every day of the week and now we have got to the point in the season where we are turning things around.”  
 
Trailing 1-0 heading into the top of the sixth inning, the Panthers used timely hitting and took advantage of three Fighting Illini (19-10) errors to score eight runs on seven hits. All seven of the hits were singles.
 
After surrendering a two-out solo home run to Justin Parr in the first inning to go down 1-0, the Panther pitching staff did not allow a hit until the ninth inning. Thomas Lindauer hit a one-out, three run homer to left field off of Scott Houdek to get Illinois within four (8-4), but Joe Greenfield entered the game and retired the final two batters to seal the victory.
 
Ben Kennedy (2-2) earned the win, striking out two and not allowing a hit in 2.2 innings of scoreless relief. Garrison Stenger had three strikeouts and did not surrender a hit in 2.2 innings of scoreless relief as well. Jake Johansmeier made the start for EIU, allowing one hit and one run in 2.2 innings of action.
 
“(Garrison) Stenger and (Ben) Kennedy were very impressive today,” added Schmitz. “Those two guys were able get ground out with their sinking balls.”
 
Kevin Duchene (4-1) took the loss for Illinois, surrendering five hits and two runs with five strikeouts in 5.1 innings of work. The freshman left-handed pitcher retired the first 11 Panther batters he faced.
 
EIU had seven more hits (12-5) than Illinois and committed two fewer errors (3-1). The Panthers also left one more runner on base (5-4).
 
Cameron Berra went 2-for-4 with two RBI, a double and a run to pace the Panther offense. Treysen Vavra went 3-for-5 with a double, a run and an RBI. Caleb Howell and Jacob Reese both added 2-for-4 plate performances with a run and a RBI.
 
Justin Parr went 2-for-4 with two runs and a RBI to lead the Illini at the plate. Chase Hainline also added a hit and a run.
 
The Panthers return to action on Wednesday, April 10 when they play host to Illinois College. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. from Coaches Stadium.