Illinois baseball team split its doubleheader against Minnesota at Siebert Field, securing a fourth consecutive series win. In the first game, Illinois emerged victorious with a 7-4 score after breaking a tie in the seventh inning.
Cal Hejza led Illinois with three hits and three RBIs. Coltin Quagliano also contributed significantly, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Jake Rons earned the win from the bullpen, while Joe Glassey secured the save by pitching two scoreless innings. Cooper Omans started for Illinois, allowing one run on two hits over five innings.
The Illini initially took the lead in the third inning when Hejza's single brought home Quagliano. Minnesota tied it in the fourth before Illinois pulled ahead again in the fifth with runs from Hejza and Camden Janik. Minnesota equalized once more in the seventh, but Brody Harding and Quagliano sealed Illinois' victory with crucial hits in the eighth.
Hejza's performance extended his hitting streak to 12 games, batting .385 during this period. Quagliano achieved his second three-hit game in three matches. Jacob Schroeder maintained his hitting streak at ten games.
In Game 2, Minnesota quickly gained a 4-0 advantage and eventually won 8-3, ending Illinois' seven-game winning streak. Cameron Chee-Aloy was notable for Illinois with three hits including a double.
Regan Hall stood out from Illinois' bullpen by allowing just one run over 3.2 innings while striking out three batters.
Despite an eight-run deficit entering the eighth inning of Game 2, Illinois managed to score three runs through efforts from Ryan Moerman and Quagliano.
Chee-Aloy's performance extended his hitting streak to 11 games and has reached base safely in all but one of their last 27 games. Ben Plumley and Will Lavin delivered scoreless relief appearances for Illinois.
The Illini will return home to face Illinois State as part of a nine-game homestand starting soon.
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