Eastern used an eight-run outburst in the second inning of the twin bill to defeat Samford 11-2, and move into a tie for second-place in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The game-changing second inning started with three straight hits for Eastern, who pounded out 10 on the day. With the bases full of Panthers, junior David Chacon stepped to the plate to face Samford starter Andrew Kerth. Chacon took a Kerth offering deep to center field for a grand slam, instantly putting the Panthers ahead 4-0.

But the Panthers weren’t ready to rest on their lead. After Mark Chagnon walked, second baseman Chris Uhle sent a big fly to left-center to put Eastern up a half-dozen and chase Kerth from the ballgame.

Samford reliever Lee Brady faired little better in place of Kerth. Shortstop Kyle Haines was walked on four pitches and after Ryan Campbell struck out Haines, stole second base to move into scoring position. Haines’ aggressiveness paid off as he scored on a base hit from Kevin Carkeek to add the extra point for the Panthers. Eastern tacked on its eighth run of the frame when centerfielder Marcus Jackson drove Carkeek home with a single to left center.

The eight runs were more than enough for Eastern starter Ted Juske. The lefty pitched five solid innings in place of regular weekend starter Kirk Miller, who was unavailable for the series. Juske scattered five hits allowing just one run while striking out three and walking four in the spot start.

“With Kirk Miller having the weekend off to rest Ted really picked us up,” Schmitz’ said. “He did an outstanding job.”

The Panther bats put the finishing touches on an impressive offensive showing with three more runs in the fourth inning. Catcher Joe Hernandez picked up a gift RBI when he was walked by Brady with the bases loaded to score Campbell. With the bases still loaded, Chacon capped off his career-day with a two-run single to center fielder to give him six RBIs on the day.

Samford avoided the shutout with a run in the six inning off Juske and another run in the seventh when reliever Alex Chapple gave up a base hit to third baseman Wade Lamont scoring Sterling Whitworth to close out the scoring.

Juske picked up the victory to improve to 2-1 on the season. After the doubleheader sweep Eastern (13-19) now sits tied with Eastern Kentucky for second-place in the OVC.