Eastern’s lineup change proved to be effective against Butler.

The Panthers exploded for 11 hits in a 7-0 win against the Bulldogs (14-18) on Thursday afternoon in Indianapolis.

The Panthers (13-16) have not scored that many runs since a 9-1 win against Southern Illinois on March 27.

Eastern senior right fielder Robyn Mackie moved into the second spot, and Eastern sophomore Denee’ Menzione moved into the cleanup position.

“Denee’ started with driving in the first run,” said Eastern head coach Kim Schuette. I’m most proud of hitting. We were up in the batter’s box, looking to hit.”

It was an improvement from last weekend, Schuette said.

The Panthers only scored seven runs in three games against Samford last weekend, and the Panthers were shutout in the series finale.

“Our hitters were looking to drive the ball,” Schuette said of Thursday’s performance at the plate. “I hope it works again this weekend.”

Eastern freshman first baseman Melinda Jackson, who has been batting ninth, moved to sixth spot in the lineup, and sophomore left fielder Lauren Brackett moved from second to ninth.

Jackson led the team with three hits, including two doubles. The Lake Zurich native went 3-for-4 and scored one run.

Jackson said she was more aggressive at the plate.

“Everyone was more patient at the plate,” Jackson said. “I think we were more aggressive. We weren’t swinging at bad pitches. We were more aggressive today than we were on Sunday.”

Mackie went 2-for-3, scored one run and drove in two runs.

Eastern sophomore shortstop Megan Nelson, Mackie and Eastern sophomore second baseman Sarah Coppert has three consecutive singles in the fourth inning to give the Panthers a 6-0 lead.

“Our goal was today to score some more runs,” Schuette said. “I was pleased with the many hits.”

Eastern senior pitcher Karyn Mackie (7-7) pitched four innings. She struck out four and gave up two hits. Eastern junior pitcher Kathleen Jacoby earned the save with three innings pitched. She gave up only two hits, and struck out four.

“It’s nice to see our pitchers get some strikeouts,” Schuette said.

The Panthers were only able to get in one game of the scheduled doubleheader because the second game was called in the bottom of the third inning because of darkness.

Schuette said the first game was delayed by two hours because of rain, and the team sat in the dugout – and eventually the bus – because of the amount of rain.

Eastern gets back to Ohio Valley Conference play with a three-game series against Tennessee Tech this weekend. The first game of a doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Williams Field.

Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.

Eastern senior pitcher Karyn Mackie connects with a pitch from Samford’s pitcher during last week’s-three game series against the Bulldogs at Williams Field. Eastern beat Butler 7-0 Thursday afternoon in Indianapolis. (John Bailey/The Daily Eastern News)

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