Illinois (15-18) dropped its midweek contest to Eastern Illinois (20-13), 1-0, in a 12-inning marathon Tuesday night at Illinois Field.

After the Panthers broke the scoreless deadlock with a two-out single in the 12th, Branden Comia started the home half with a single and moved into scoring position after a sacrifice bunt from Brody Harding, but he would ultimately be left stranded on second as the visitors held on for the win.

Freshman Julius Sanchez tossed 5.0 scoreless innings in his start, scattering three hits to go along with two strikeouts. Jack Crowder and Joe Glassey followed in relief, with each pitcher working 3.0 scoreless innings. Crowder did not allow a hit and whiffed four batters, while Glassey allowed one hit and tallied one strikeout.

Illinois left 10 runners stranded on base in the loss

Illinois will be back in action on Friday, when they begin a three-game set against Minnesota to close out this homestand. First pitch of Friday's opener is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT.