Illinois Field | University of Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Field | University of Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois baseball opened its series against Valparaiso with a 13-9 win at Illinois Field. Vytas Valincius and Nick Groves led the charge for the Fighting Illini, both delivering three-hit performances. Valincius went 3-for-4 with a run, double, and four RBI, while Groves also went 3-for-4 with three runs, a double, and an RBI. Kyle Schupmann and Drake Westcott contributed home runs to the team's victory.
Sam Reed secured the win in relief for Illinois, pitching 2.2 innings and allowing five runs on five hits while striking out three. Luke Weber earned his first career save by pitching 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit without any walks and striking out two.
The game saw Illinois take an early lead of 4-0 in the first inning with contributions from Grant Ross's RBI single and a Valincius groundout RBI. Schupmann capped off the inning with a two-run home run to center field.
Valparaiso managed to narrow the gap by scoring in the second and fourth innings, bringing them within two runs at 4-2. They took a temporary lead in the fifth inning by scoring five runs to make it 7-4. However, Illinois responded strongly in their half of the fifth inning to regain control of the game.
Valincius tied the game with a two-run double after Jack Zebig brought home a run with a bases-loaded groundout. Collin Jennings then singled to bring home Valincius before Westcott hit his third homer of the season to extend Illinois' lead to 10-7.
Despite Valparaiso's attempt to close in by scoring twice more in the sixth inning, making it 10-9, Illinois maintained their momentum with additional runs from Valincius's sacrifice fly and other contributors.
Weber replaced Reed on the mound in the seventh inning and successfully navigated through challenges to preserve Illinois' advantage. He retired all remaining batters over his tenure on the mound as Illinois added further insurance runs.
Due to anticipated cold weather on Sunday, Illinois will play a doubleheader against Valparaiso tomorrow at Illinois Field starting at 1 p.m. CT.
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