The Eastern Illinois baseball team dropped their 2024 opener against Florida A&M on Friday by a score of 6-5. A strong start from the FAMU pitching staff made things difficult for the Panthers, who came up just short after a ninth inning rally.
Neither team managed to reach base through the first two innings, but in the bottom of the third the Rattlers broke through with a two-out double by Jalen Niles. FAMU then took advantage of a pair of EIU miscues, including a fielding error and wild pitch, to advance around the base path and push three runs across the plate.
Starting pitcher Tyler Conklin (0-1) took the loss for EIU. He was relieved by Bryce Riggs in the seventh inning.
In his collegiate debut, Riggs allowed zero runs and just one hit while striking out four batters in 2.0 innings of work.
The EIU offense was led by Cole Gober with three hits, while five different Panthers recorded one RBI.
EIU will have ample opportunity to bounce back on Saturday, as they are set for a double header. The first game is scheduled for 11:30 AM, with the second following at 2:30 PM.
