CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) – Eastern Illinois baseball is tied for first place in the Ohio Valley Conference with SIUE.

SIUE visits Charleston for a three game series this weekend, May 8-10.

The Panthers and Cougars are both 15-6 in conference play, with Little Rock just a game back at 14-7.

The weekend series at EIU’s Coaches Field is likely to have heavy implications on the regular season conference title, with just one additional OVC series remaining for each squad after this weekend’s duel.

EIU president outlines search for new AD

“I mean, this is what we’ve practice all year, is just whether we’ve won or we’ve lost to be ready for the next one,” Panthers’ head coach Jason Anderson said of big games down the stretch and postseason play coming up. “Play the best baseball we can be and then see what happens. Hopefully come out on the right side, but I think we’re as ready as we can get.”

It will be the first time this season the Panthers and Cougars play each other.

Stiverson, Paulson’s headline OVC softball awards

Players and coaches alike were highly complimentary of the recent crowds at their games, hoping for another full and noisy group of Eastern Illinois fans at this weekend’s games.

The series begins at 6 p.m. on Friday. After this heavyweight bout, EIU closes conference play by hosting Western Illinois (8-13 in conference play), while the Cougars will battle UT Martin (9-12 in conference play) in their final series of the regular season.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.

TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Unity baseball is off to a 19-3 start after making runs to state in boys basketball and football.

The Rockets are looking for redemption after a close loss to Monticello in the sectional championship game last season.

A notable part of thjs season’s success includes head coach Tom Kimball surpassing the 400-win milestone.

He credits many people for the program’s recent success, including community members, administrators and talented players.

While winning was the biggest goal early in his career, that isn’t the case anymore.

“As I’ve grown older and grown into this little bit, I realize that winning is important and we all love to win, but in reality, the relationships that you build and if you can help kids better themselves and be a better part in society, at the end of the day, that’s kind of what coaching is about,” Kimball said.

“Seeing him in school, it just builds an even better relationship with him,” senior Coleton Langendorf said. “He’s always joking with us when he sees us, and we’re just always having a good time with him.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Parkland baseball is poised for the postseason after a 35-win regular season.

The Cobras are led by a group of close-knit players who, by the nature of junior college, have spent at most two years together but have developed the chemistry of a four-year team.

“I love every single one of these guys, and I know that, like, we’re one of the tightest groups and that’s why I think it’s our biggest strength as a team that we can all pull for each other,” said infielder Jayden Patel.

Parkland has gone 19-4 since the calendar flipped to April, hitting its stride just in time for the Region 24 Championship.

“Everybody is promised two more baseball games together,” said head coach Zack Pych, a Parkland Baseball alumnus. “They love each other, so go out there and compete and see what happens.”

Play begins in the region tournament on Friday, May 8, as Parkland takes on Vincennes University at 9 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.