The annual intrasquad series between the split Blue and Grey Squad was shortened this year. Due to darkness, the Saturday game would the final game, no matter what the score.

“We wanted to wrap up it with a finale, whoever won today would win it,” said Eastern head baseball coach Jim Schmitz.

The teams split into two squads of the Grey and the Blue teams. The Grey team won the fourth and final game, 7-5. The first game went to the Blue team and the middle two games ended up in ties due to darkness.

“The Grey team came back with really good pitching by a number of guys,” Schmitz said.

Schmitz said junior pitcher Mike Manns and junior pitcher Alex Guttosch pitched well today.

“(Manns) was absolutely sensational his last three innings,” he said.

Junior pitcher Tyler Brandon and sophomore pitcher Ross Jeske finished out on the mound to preserve the win for the Grey team.

Freshman catcher Matt Moore had three hits in the fourth game.

“He did a phenomenal job,” Schmitz said.

Senior outfielder Mark Chagnon had four hits in the game.

Schmitz looked at the positives that came out of the fall season. “We needed a second baseman and (sophomore infielder) Jordan Kreke had a really good fall,” Schmitz said. “He’s got the arm strength to make really good plays and turn the double play. He’s worked really hard because he’s been playing on the left side his whole life.”

Last year, the Panthers finished 36-24 and third in the OVC. Eastern opens the season against Northern Illinois at the Evansville Tournament on Feb. 24.