Box Score April 9, 2025 | Peoria, IL. | Dozer Park
The Bradley Braves fought back in a close one to defeat the Western Illinois Leathernecks, 5-2, on Wednesday. Bradley went down 2-0 after two one-run innings by the Leathernecks, but a five-run rally in the bottom of the sixth gave the Braves the boost they needed to hold on for the victory.
Game 1: Bradley 5, Western Illinois 2
The Leathernecks and Braves had a pitching duel on their hands as both starters pitched four scoreless innings to start the game, but a solo shot by Western Illinois in the fifth gave them the lead. They extended their lead in the top of the sixth with an RBI double. As the rain started to come down, the Braves loaded the bases, leading to a Nick Hosie walk that cut the deficit in half. Timmy O'Brien came up next and crushed a grand slam to left field. giving Bradley a 5-2 lead. Jack Stellano was the winning pitcher, throwing two innings and yielding one run on three hits while striking out two. Reece Clapp closed the game to earn the save, pitching two scoreless innings while giving up a hit and a walk and striking out three.
Top Performer: Timmy O'Brien (1-for-4, 1 HR, 4 RBI)
Bradley Offense: 5 runs, 7 hits, 1 HR, 5 walks
Pitching Grit: 2 runs allowed, 2 earned, 8 strikeouts
Looking Ahead
The Braves will look to build on this win as they take on the Belmont Bruins in a three-game weekend series beginning on Friday, April 11, with a Mitch Janssen Memorial Game, and ending on Sunday, April 13, with the Pediatric Cancer Head Shaving that will take place in the postgame.
