Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball secured a 10-6 victory over Illinois State at Illinois Field, marking their return to the win column. Vytas Valincius was instrumental in the win, hitting a home run and driving in four runs. Camden Janik and Drake Westcott also contributed with three hits each, while Coltin Quagliano added two hits, including a home run.

Will Lavin earned the win from the bullpen by pitching 1.1 shutout innings and allowing just one hit. Ben Plumley and Korey Bunselmeyer also delivered scoreless innings in relief.

The Illini began scoring when Valincius drove in Cal Hejza with a single. Illinois State took a brief lead before Illinois responded with seven runs in the third inning. Westcott tied the game with a single, followed by Valincius's three-run homer to make it 5-2. The team further extended their lead due to an error and Cameron Chee-Aloy's two-RBI single.

Quagliano's solo home run in the seventh increased the Illini's lead, followed by Janik doubling to bring home another run. Despite Illinois State scoring three times in the ninth inning, Illinois maintained their lead for a 10-6 finish.

Looking ahead, Illinois will continue their nine-game homestand with a series against Northern Illinois starting Friday at 6 p.m. CT.

Key performances included Valincius going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and his first game of multiple extra-base hits this season; Westcott reaching base safely for his 23rd consecutive game; Janik extending his hitting streak to nine games; Quagliano raising his average significantly during his nine-game hitting streak; Chee-Aloy maintaining his career-long hitting streak of 12 games; Lavin not allowing any runs over his last three innings pitched; Plumley striking out two without conceding any runs over recent appearances.

Overall, four Illini players recorded multiple hits as they out-hit their opponents 13-6 and scored double-digit runs for the tenth time this season.