MACOMB, Ill.- SIUE baseball was unable to recover from an early deficit Saturday, falling 10-1 to Western Illinois.
 
The Leathernecks opened the game at the bottom of the first inning, gaining seven runs on six hits to take control of the game. WIU added two more runs in the fourth, including a two-run home run from Wandel Campana, stretching its lead to 9-0.
 
SIUE tallied eight hits but was unable to bring in runs. Joshua Heyder led the cougars at the plate, going 3-for-4, while Mack Mitchell added two hits. Chase Bloomer scored the Cougars' lone run in the sixth inning, with Ethan Willoughby driving him in on a ground out.
 
On the mound, Spencer Stearns took the loss after allowing seven runs in just two-thirds of an inning. The SIUE bullpen combined to limit further damage, but Western Illinois still finished with 12 hits and drew nine walks.
 
Western Illinois starter Jason Buhl earned the win, tossing six innings and allowing just one run while striking out seven. Cade Sonoqui picked up the save.
 
The Cougars will look to bounce back tomorrow in game three of the series at 1:00 p.m.