RICHMOND, Ky. – Visiting Eastern Illinois scored a season-high 20 runs and clinched a spot in the upcoming OVC baseball tournament thanks to a decisive 20-7 victory over Eastern Kentucky University Saturday afternoon. After dropping two games on Friday, the Panthers salvaged the final game of the series and concludes the regular season 23-28 overall and 13-13 in the OVC.

A Colonel victory would have clinched a spot for EKU in the league tournament, however Eastern Kentucky wraps up the 2008 season 26-27-1 and 12-15.

Eastern Illinois took control of the contest in the top of the first with five two-out runs. Richie Derbak highlighted the inning with a two-run blast to right field.

After Eastern Kentucky cut the deficit to 7-3 in the fourth thanks to senior Tyler Barnett’s two-run homer, the Panthers responded with nine runs in the top of the fifth to put the game away.

Jordan Kreke and Alex Gee each had two hits in the fifth for the Panthers. Kreke started the inning with a triple and later belted a two-run double. Gee recorded an RBI single and a two-run home run.

EIU’s Brian Morrell (4-1) earned the win by going 2.2 innings in relief and striking out four Colonels. Eastern Kentucky’s Chris Grider (3-4) suffered the loss as he could not escape the first inning.

Five Panthers finished with three hits while Derbak and Gee combined for nine RBIs.

Juniors Matt Davis and Tyler Rehmel each went 2-for-4 for two RBIs to lead the Colonel offensive effort.