East Michigan News

Brendan Kleiman achieved a notable feat by hitting a home run for the third consecutive game, though Eastern Michigan University (EMU) ultimately fell to Northern Illinois University (NIU) with a score of 9-8. This marked the Eagles' season finale at Ralph McKinzie Field on May 18.

Kleiman, who hails from Olney, Maryland, went 2-for-4 in the game with a home run and two RBIs. Senior Cory Taylor also had an impressive performance, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs while stealing two bases. Logan Milene contributed with one hit, a walk, and two RBIs.

The Eagles initially took the lead in the second inning after trailing 1-0. They scored twice, taking advantage of Cole Wilcox's single. Blake McRae later scored off Taylor's sacrifice fly in the third inning to bring EMU ahead 3-1.

Northern Illinois responded by tying the game before EMU regained control with a 7-3 lead in the seventh inning. However, NIU managed to overturn this advantage and led 9-7 by the ninth inning. Kleiman's leadoff homer reduced NIU's lead to one run but was not enough to secure victory for EMU.

Game highlights included McRae reaching base for his seventh consecutive game and achieving his 20th multi-hit outing of the season. He also drew his 32nd walk of the season, setting career highs in both categories. Taylor matched his previous season’s hit total while setting a personal best with 39 RBIs over 43 games.

The Eagles recorded their fifth consecutive four-plus run inning across games this season and reached double-digit hits for the 28th time this year. Their stolen base count rose to 78, ranking them second in their conference.

Historically, EMU concluded its regular season with a .300 batting average—the highest since their team averaged .314 in 2004—and completed its milestone 75th baseball season since its inception in 1949.