Tigers Explode for 14 Runs in Series-Opening Win Over Eastern Illinois

Friday, March 13

Memphis, Tenn.

6:05 p.m.

University of Memphis

5-12

Eastern Illinois

6-8

Eastern Illinois

Memphis

Tigers Explode for 14 Runs in Series-Opening Win Over Eastern Illinois

Mar 13, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (5-12) baseball team powered its way to a dominant 14-2 victory over Eastern Illinois (6-8) Friday evening at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

The Tigers scored in all six innings and used a pair of four-run frames to pull away. Memphis finished the night with 12 hits, including three home runs, while holding the Panthers to just four hits in the seven-inning run-rule victory.

Will Howell started on the mound for Memphis and earned the win, allowing one run on one hit across four innings while striking out five. Charlie Smith entered in relief and worked the final three innings to earn his first save of the season.

The Tigers will be back at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field tomorrow for game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Memphis opened the scoring in the first inning when designated hitter James Smith IV singled to left field to score Freddy Rodriguez, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
The Tigers added another run in the second when catcher Trae Cassidy lifted a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Jack Little.
Memphis extended the lead in the third inning as center fielder Michael Gupton drove in Shane Cox on a fielder's choice before Webb Watson plated another run with a groundout to make it 4-0.
Eastern Illinois got on the board in the fourth inning when Joey Hagen grounded out to first base, scoring Kyree Alexander to cut the deficit to 4-1.
The Tigers responded with a four-run fourth inning. Right fielder Cade Hitson delivered an RBI single before Watson drove in two runs with a single to right, pushing Memphis ahead 8-1.
Memphis added four more runs in the fifth inning when James Smith IV hit a two-run double and Michael Gupton launched a two-run homer to left field.
Eastern Illinois scored once in the sixth on an RBI single by Tyler Castro, but Memphis answered immediately with two home runs in the bottom half of the inning from second baseman Jack Little and Trae Cassidy to extend the lead to 14-2.
Charlie Smith retired the Panthers in order in the seventh to seal the run-rule victory for Memphis.

NOTABLES

Memphis scored at least one in every inning of the game for the first time since at least 2000.
- The 14 total runs are the second highest total this season.
The Tigers drew 10 walks, the most in a game since February 25, 2025, against Alabama A&M.
Javon Hernandez, Freddy Rodriguez and Jack Little all stole a base for the Tigers, bringing the team's season total to 39 steals, which ranks in the top 40 nationally.
- Rodriguez is 11-12 on the year while Hernandez is a perfect 8-8.
Michael Gupton finished 2-for-3 with four RBIs and a home run.
- Gupton has recorded four RBIs in three of his last four games and leads the team with 22 total for the year.
- His 369-foot homer in the fifth was his sixth of the year (most on the team) and his tenth extra-base hit of the season (tied for most on the team).
James Smith IV went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, including a two-run double in the fifth inning.
- Tied career-highs in both hits and RBIs
Webb Watson added three RBIs for the Tigers.
Jack Little and Trae Cassidy both hit their first home runs of the season.
- Memphis has now had 10 different players hit a homer this year.
After a double on Friday, second baseman Shane Cox continued his streak of reaching base safely in every game thus far and continues his 10-game hitting streak.
- Cox has recorded at least one hit in 16 of 17 games this season.
- Cox leads the Tigers in batting average (.391), hits (27), doubles (7), and extra-base hits (10).
Will Howell earned his first win of the season after allowing just one run across four innings with five strikeouts.
Charlie Smith recorded his first save of the year after pitching the final three innings.

SCORING SUMMARY

Bottom 1:
James Smith IV singled, Freddy Rodriguez scored.
Memphis 1, Eastern Illinois 0

Bottom 2:
Trae Cassidy hit a sacrifice fly, Jack Little scored.
Memphis 2, Eastern Illinois 0

Bottom 3:
Michael Gupton reached on a fielder's choice, Shane Cox scored.
Webb Watson grounded out, Michael Gupton scored.
Memphis 4, Eastern Illinois 0

Top 4:
Joey Hagen grounded out, Kyree Alexander scored.
Memphis 4, Eastern Illinois 1

Bottom 4:
Michael Gupton walked, Trae Cassidy scored.
Cade Hitson singled, Freddy Rodriguez scored.
Webb Watson singled, James Smith IV and Michael Gupton scored.
Memphis 8, Eastern Illinois 1

Bottom 5:
James Smith IV double, Freddy Rodriguez and Shane Cox scored.
Michael Gupton homered, Parker Price scored.
Memphis 12, Eastern Illinois 1

Top 6:
Tyler Castro singled, Peyton Wilson scored.
Memphis 12, Eastern Illinois 2

Bottom 6:
Jack Little homered.
Trae Cassidy homered.
Memphis 14, Eastern Illinois 2

UP NEXT

Memphis will continue its series against Eastern Illinois on Saturday afternoon at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.