Henry Aleck Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Henry Aleck Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Illinois baseball team secured a 4-1 victory over Indiana State in the opening round of the Lexington Regional at Kentucky Proud Park. This win marks their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2015.
Jack Crowder delivered an impressive performance on the mound, pitching eight innings and allowing only one run. He struck out five batters without giving up any walks, bringing his season record to 7-2. Joe Glassey pitched a flawless ninth inning, securing his ninth save of the season.
Drake Westcott contributed significantly to Illinois' offense by going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. Connor Milton also played well, reaching base safely twice with two runs scored.
The game began as a pitcher's duel until Illinois took the lead in the third inning when Westcott hit a two-run single. Indiana State responded with a solo home run in the fourth, but Crowder remained steady, retiring 11 consecutive batters afterward.
In the eighth inning, Brody Harding extended Illinois' lead by driving in Westcott with a single. Milton added another run in the ninth after scoring on a passed ball.
Looking ahead, Illinois will face Kentucky in the winner's bracket of the Lexington Regional. The match is scheduled for tomorrow at 5 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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