Although its 13-game winning streak came to an end Saturday at Tennessee Martin, the Eastern baseball team is brimming with optimism, and, as strange as it sounds, the loss may do some good for them.

The Panthers had been rolling through opponents as of late, and with games against top-notch opponents Illinois and Jacksonville State this week, coming down to earth a bit and realizing the old baseball adage – on any given day any team can beat any team – is important in refocusing for these key games.

Today’s game at Illinois has no effect on the Panthers as far as league standings go. Win or lose, they will still enter the weekend in first place in the Ohio Valley Conference, but a win against one of the Big Ten’s best teams – just like their win against Big 12 leader Oklahoma – will add to the Panthers’ already impressive resume.

Of course, that’s not to say the Panthers have not already turned some heads around the country. After debuting in the national polls at No. 27 last week, it would not have been surprising to see them drop out following their loss to Tennessee Martin. However, they stayed ranked this week at No. 29, further proving that they have earned quite a bit of respect.

This weekend’s series against Jacksonville State will be an incredible match between the two teams picked to finish atop the OVC.

The Gamecocks feature junior right-hander Ben Tootle, the preseason OVC pitcher of the year. Tootle is 3-1 with a 3.44 ERA so far this season and has 45 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings pitched.

Seeing Tootle battle with Eastern senior center fielder Brett Nommensen will be a showdown that will not be duplicated this season. It would not be farfetched to see both with minor league clubs within the next two years.

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected].