Despite the Panthers’ 8-10 record, putting them ninth in the OVC, the team has been playing better compared to their early season six-game losing streak. Over the last five games, the Panthers have a 3-2 record even though they have been outscored 26-29.

The Eastern baseball team will have a chance to bounce back from a shutout as the Panthers have a non-conference game Tuesday against Indiana State at home.

The Panthers are not lingering on their 7-0 loss Sunday against Jacksonville State. With three wins out of the four games prior, the team believes they are returning to form from the beginning of the year.

“We are back on the right path that we are trying to get to,” said senior pitcher Michael Starcevich. “Sunday wasn’t what we were looking for, but in terms of whole team mentality, we are back on the right track and looking to move forward.”

Starcevich, the team’s closer, has had a successful season, compiling an OVC leading four saves, now putting him sixth most in the Eastern record book.

Location, velocity, and commanding all three pitches for strikes has helped a lot, Starcevich said.

As a team, the pitching rotation has been one of the best in the OVC this year. The Panthers rank third with a 4.95 team ERA and allowing 88 earned runs, the second lowest in conference.

“As a staff in general, we are pretty solid,” Starcevich said. “If we are in the game toward the end, we have a solid bullpen to finish things out.”

During those five games, the Panthers’ offense has been inconsistent. In those three games won, the team has scored all of their 26 runs and have been shutout in those two losses. As for the pitching, the Panthers have allowed those 29 runs the past four games.

The offense has the potential as the Panthers have five batters hitting above .300. Once the offense begins to find a rhythm, as well as the pitching staying consistent, the team will be set for conference games.

“Our offense just needs to click,” said redshirt junior pitcher Hunter Clark. “Obviously when they score first, the pitching gets on their back and we let them ride because we are a high-powered offense.”

Indiana State is having a successful season with an 11-5 record, most noticeably the past two weeks as they have won six straight.

Junior Second Baseman Jarrod Watkins has been a consistent leadoff batter for the Sycamores this season, leading the team in multiple offensive categories.

In 68 plate appearances, Watkins leads the team with a .382 average, 26 hits and eight doubles.

The Sycamores have been reliant on junior pitcher Triston Polley this season and his dominant starts. Through 33.1 innings, Polley has a 2.16 ERA, giving him a team high 4-1 record and 26 strikeouts.

Tuesday’s game will start at 3 p.m. at Coaches Stadium.

Adam Shay can be reached at 581-2812 or at acshay@eiu.edu