Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball team secured a significant victory against No. 24 Indiana State with a 21-11 win at Illinois Field. The game, concluded in seven innings, saw the Illini achieve their fifth game of the season with at least five home runs.

Ryan Moerman was a standout player, achieving three home runs and nine RBI in his 4-for-5 performance. Cal Hejza also impressed with two home runs and three RBI. Connor Milton capped off the match with a walk-off homer to center field.

Pitcher Jake Swartz earned the win, improving his record to 2-2 after pitching for three innings and allowing three runs on four hits. Korey Bunselmeyer closed out the seventh inning by retiring all batters he faced.

The game's momentum shifted early when Illinois responded to an initial lead by Indiana State. Cal Hejza's home run tied the score, and Camden Janik's run put Illinois ahead. The Illini extended their lead significantly during subsequent innings, particularly notable were Moerman’s grand slam and contributions from other key players like Vytas Valincius and Coltin Quagliano.

Despite Indiana State's efforts to close the gap, including a six-run frame that brought them within four points of Illinois’ lead, they could not maintain pace with Illinois' scoring prowess.

Illinois will face Ohio State next in a three-game series starting Friday.

Quotes highlight individual performances: "Ryan Moerman went 4-for-5 with three runs, three home runs and nine RBI," marking his first career three-home run game; "Coltin Quagliano went 3-for-4 with three runs," extending his hitting streak; "Cal Hejza went 2-for-5" securing his first multi-homer game this season; "Camden Janik went 2-for-3" achieving a career-high four runs scored; "Vytas Valincius [went] 2-for-4" continuing his streak of multi-RBI games; while Connor Milton’s performance included "First-career walk-off home run."