"EIU has been a good place for my family and we've really enjoyed our time here," Schmitz said. "We have received a ton of support over the years and have had a bunch of good, fun players to be around. It was neat for the team to give me the game ball after the win today."
With the game tied at three after nine innings of play, the Panthers scored seven runs in the top of the 10th inning on three hits and two errors by the Spartans (4-3). Michigan State added two runs in the bottom of the frame on three hits, but EIU was able to hang on for the victory.
Demetre Taylor hit the Panthers first home run of the season in the second inning to give EIU an early 1-0 lead. The Panthers added two runs on three hits and one error in the seventh inning to go ahead, 3-0.
In the bottom of eighth inning, Michigan State scored three runs on two hits and one error to knot the game at three.
Matt Borens started the game for EIU, striking out six batters and only allowing two hits and two unearned runs in seven innings of action. He now has a 0.47 ERA in three starts this season. Senior Joe Greenfield (1-1) earned the win as he allowed two hits and one run in two innings of relief.
"[Matt] Borens was outstanding again and was huge in helping us get the win today," Schmitz said. "After a tough eighth inning where we kind of gave it away when they tied the game, we fought back and continued to play. Our guys are very resilient and fought back despite the rainy conditions late in the contest."
Mitch Gasbarro and Jacob Reese both went 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs and a run to pace the Panther offense. Caleb Howell went 3-for-5 with a run and a RBI while Cameron Berra and Tyler Schweigert both scored two runs.
EIU had six more hits (13-7) than Michigan State and left three more runners on base (12-9). The Spartans committed one more error (3-2) than EIU in the contest.
Jeff Kinley (0-1) took the loss for Michigan State as he surrendered five runs (four earned) and one hit in 0.1 innings of action. Justin Alleman made the start and posted five strikeouts while allowing five hits and three runs in 6.1 innings of work.
Anthony Cheky went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Spartans offense. Blaise Salter added two RBIs and a hit in the loss.
