Box Score
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Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Bryan Soloman's late 3-run home run secured a 17-11 victory for Eastern Kentucky over Eastern Illinois in the series finale on Sunday.
 
The Panthers (16-30-1, 10-13-1 OVC) drew within three with two runs in the top of the seventh.  Soloman stepped to the plate with two on, and two out, in the bottom of the inning and sent a 1-1 pitch sailing over the wall in right field.  His 13th home run of the season pushed the EKU (22-25, 11-13 OVC) lead to six.
 
It was also Soloman's 10th home run in the last 17 games.  He extended his hitting streak to 17 straight by finishing the day 3-for-6 with a run and seven RBIs.  Fellow senior Sean Hagen was 4-for-5 with a run and two RBIs.  The top four batters in the Eastern Kentucky order drove in 14 of the 17 runs.
 
Caleb Howell had a 6-for-6 day and scored three times for Eastern Illinois.  Brant Valach had two hits in five at bats and drove in three runs.
 
The Colonels never trailed, but the Panthers never folded.  EKU took a 3-0 lead after the first inning.  TJ Alas hit a two-run home run after a lead-off double by Kyle Nowlin.  EIU drew within one in the top of the second before Eastern Kentucky platted four in the bottom half to build a 7-2 lead. 
 
With the bases loaded in the top of the fourth, Valach was hit by a pitch and Cameron Berra drew a walk to complete a three-run frame for Eastern Illinois and get the visitors within a single run, 9-8.  Soloman's two-run double keyed a five-run fourth for the Colonels and gave the home squad a 14-8 advantage.
 
EIU added one in the sixth and then closed the gap to three with two in the seventh.  However, that is as close as the Panthers would get.  Soloman put the game away in the bottom half of the seventh.
 
Logan Hershenow (2-2) picked up the win after tossing five and two thirds innings of relief.  He allowed three runs on 10 hits, struck out three and did not walk a batter.  EIU starter Joe Greenfield (5-5) lasted only one and one third innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits. 
 
The Colonels continue their four-game home stand on Tuesday when Toledo visits Turkey Hughes Field.  The game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.