Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball team secured a 6-2 victory against Michigan in their series finale at Holman Stadium, part of the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. The win brings Illinois' record to 7-6, while Michigan falls to 8-6.

Jack Zebig played a crucial role for Illinois, going 2-for-3 with a run, double, three RBIs, and a walk. Vytas Valincius also contributed significantly by going 1-for-4 with two RBIs.

Regan Hall started the game for Illinois but did not factor into the decision. He allowed two runs on five hits over five innings. Zach Bates was pivotal out of the bullpen, delivering two scoreless innings and striking out three batters.

Michigan initially took a lead by scoring in the second and fourth innings. However, Illinois responded in the bottom of the fourth when Zebig drew a walk with bases loaded to score one run. Valincius followed up by hitting into a double play that brought another run home, tying the game at 2-2.

Hall managed to keep Michigan from scoring further in the fifth inning. Evan Clark and Bates maintained this momentum through subsequent innings. In the eighth inning, Jacob Schroeder's single and Cameron Chee-Aloy's walk set up Nick Groves' sacrifice bunt which advanced runners into scoring position. Grant Ross reached base on an error to load them before Zebig's double drove in two runs. Valincius then hit a two-run single to solidify Illinois' lead at 6-2.

Reed Gannon closed out the game without allowing any runs in the ninth inning, securing Illinois' win.

Illinois will face Western Illinois next at Illinois Field with first pitch scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT.