The University of Illinois Fighting Illini baseball team lost to No. 19 Oregon, 16-6, in the first game of their series at Illinois Field on April 17.
Despite hitting a season-high five home runs, the Illini were unable to overcome the ranked Ducks. The matchup was notable as it marked the team’s first home game against a ranked opponent this season.
Daniel Contreras, Cole Crafton, Michael Farina, Collin Jennings, and Jack Zebig each hit home runs for Illinois. Kyle Schupmann recorded his ninth multi-hit game of the year by going 2-for-3 at the plate. Nick Groves reached base for the 34th time in his 35 appearances this season with a double and a walk. Jack Zebig hit his fifth homer of the year and has now homered in back-to-back games. Collin Jennings added his team-leading tenth home run while Cole Crafton delivered his first career homer as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.
Other notable performances included J.R. Nelson extending his on-base streak to twelve games and drawing walks in ten consecutive appearances. Richie LaCien contributed with 1.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen—his fourth scoreless outing this season.
The Fighting Illini baseball program participates in both conference and non-conference games to build competitive experience according to its official website. The program is part of NCAA Division I athletics under Big Ten Conference rules according to its official website. It also offers student-athletes opportunities for competition, development, and academic achievement according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Illinois (19-17 overall; 7-9 Big Ten) will continue their three-game set against Oregon with Game Two scheduled for Saturday at Illinois Field.
