EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Eastern Illinois got out to a 4-0 lead and held on for an 8-4 win over SIUE baseball Saturday at Simmons Baseball Complex.

The Panthers have won the first two in the series and improved to 14-6 in the Ohio Valley Conference. SIUE dropped to 15-8 in league play.

The Panthers scored single runs in each of the first two innings before a two run-third inning made it 4-0.

Spencer Stearns (3-4) started for the Cougars and pitched 3 1/3 innings. He allowed the runs on seven hits. He struck out four.

The Cougars scored three times on three hits in the fourth to pull within a run. Lane Crowden doubled to right center to score Etan Willoughby, who had reached on an error. John Stallcup then hit a two-run home run to left.

EIU scored three more in the sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run home run by Mike O'Conor. Jake Ferguson scored on a passed ball in the seventh for an 8-3 lead.

Ryan Niedzwiedz drove home Daniel Gierer in the bottom of the seventh for the 8-4 final.

Niedzwiedz and Gierer each had two hits to lead the Cougars.

Prior to the game, SIUE recognized eight seniors playing in their final home series. Kyle Athmer, Lane Crowden, Tyler Davis, Zach Duenas, Duncan McLaughlin, Gabe Nutter Kyle Ratliff and Alex Rodriguez were each honored in pregame ceremonies.

The final game of the series and the final home game of the year for SIUE will get underway Sunday at 1 p.m.