Jim Halpin Associate Athletic Trainer (Baseball) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Jim Halpin Associate Athletic Trainer (Baseball) | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Illinois baseball team continued its winning streak with a decisive 11-2 victory over Minnesota on Friday at Siebert Field. The Illini, now holding a record of 15-12 overall and 6-1 in conference play, have secured their sixth consecutive win.
Brody Harding played a key role in the victory, contributing significantly with four RBIs. He went 3-for-3, scored two runs, hit a home run, and drew two walks. His performance was complemented by Drake Westcott who also drove in four runs despite going 1-for-5 at the plate. All nine Illinois starters managed to get hits during the game, with six players recording multiple hits.
Payton Hutchings earned the win coming out of the bullpen. He pitched 3.2 scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and striking out two batters. Julius Sanchez made his season debut by pitching a perfect ninth inning.
The Illini started strong by scoring three runs in their first turn at bat. Westcott's single brought home two runs followed by an RBI from Ryan Moerman on an infield single. Coltin Quagliano added to the lead with an RBI double in the second inning before Minnesota responded with a solo home run.
Harding widened the gap further for Illinois with a grand slam in the third inning, marking back-to-back games where Illinois hit grand slams. In the fifth inning, Westcott contributed again with an RBI groundout.
Minnesota had opportunities to narrow the lead but struggled against Hutchings who came into relief during critical moments and limited them to just one run after loading bases.
Looking ahead, Illinois will face Minnesota again tomorrow for a doubleheader starting at noon Central Time.
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