CHARLESTON, Ill. (Interstat) — The Eastern Illinois Panthers will look to halt a four-game skid when they host the struggling Bellarmine Knights to open a three-game series on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for March 6, 2026, at Coaches Stadium. The Panthers (4-6) are coming off a high-scoring, 20-15 loss at Northern Kentucky on Sunday. The Knights (2-9) have lost eight of their last nine, including a 6-4 defeat at Saint Louis on Feb. 28.

A player to watch for Eastern Illinois is shortstop Peyton Wilson. He is coming off a strong performance in the series finale against Northern Kentucky, going 3 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs. For the season, he has driven in 10 runs.

Bellarmine will counter with reliever Cade Rusch, who has been a bright spot in the Knights’ bullpen. Over his last three appearances spanning four innings, Rusch has allowed just one earned run and one hit while striking out seven batters. In the Knights’ most recent game, relievers Aaron Ragat and Chase Chamberlain combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings.

Both teams have struggled to find consistency early in the season. The Panthers’ last win was a 3-2 victory at Arkansas State on Feb. 20. Bellarmine’s only wins this season came against Belmont (11-4 on Feb. 17) and Middle Tennessee (6-3 on Feb. 14).

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Eastern Illinois 4, Bellarmine 2.

The series will continue with a doubleheader on Saturday in Charleston before concluding with a single game at Bellarmine in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday.