The University of Illinois Fighting Illini baseball team lost to the University of Southern California, 5-3, in its series finale at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles on March 8.
The game saw Illinois take an early lead with two runs in the first inning before USC responded with five consecutive runs. Despite a late rally by Illinois, USC maintained its undefeated record for the season.
AJ Putty and Will Johannes each recorded two hits for Illinois, while five different players contributed hits overall. Aidan Flinn started on the mound for the Illini, followed by relief appearances from Kyle Remington and Reed Gannon. Gannon pitched three innings without allowing an earned run.
Nick Groves extended his on-base streak to 26 games after going 1-for-4 and reaching base twice. Michael Farina added an RBI double and has now reached base in all 14 games he has played as an Illini. Cole Crafton notched his first collegiate hit with a pinch-hit RBI single in the eighth inning.
The University of Illinois Fighting Illini baseball program participates in conference and non-conference games to build competitive experience, according to the official website. The program is part of NCAA Division I and competes under Big Ten Conference rules according to the official website. It offers student-athletes opportunities for competition, development, and academic achievement according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Illinois will return home for a four-game homestand at Illinois Field next week. The team is scheduled to host Western Illinois on Tuesday evening before beginning a three-game conference series against Minnesota starting Friday. All four games will be available via streaming on B1G+.
