Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball secured an 8-2 victory against Illinois State at Illinois Field, improving their record to 15-11. Illinois State's record fell to 12-15. Cameron Chee-Aloy, a standout for the Fighting Illini, contributed significantly with two hits, including a double, and two RBI. Collin Jennings added to the score with a home run and two RBI, while Vytas Valincius recorded three hits, including a double.

On the pitching front, Payton Hutchings earned the win by delivering a scoreless third inning with one strikeout. Mitch Dye executed a spotless sixth inning, striking out all three batters. Overall, seven out of the eight relievers from the Illini bullpen kept Illinois State scoreless during their time on the mound.

Jake Swartz kicked off the game for Illinois, holding the Redbirds scoreless through the first two innings. The Illini took control with a three-run effort in the second inning, initiated by a Will Johannes RBI-single and a two-run double by Chee-Aloy. The pitching team, including Luke Weber, Nolan Girard, Dye, and Sam Reed, collectively halted Illinois State's offense, restricting them to four hits.

The Illini solidified their lead in the seventh inning by scoring five runs. Contributions came from Greg LaChance, Jack Zebig, and Kyle Schupmann, concluding with a two-run home run from Jennings. Although Illinois State managed to score twice in the eighth inning, Zach Bates completed the game with a scoreless ninth to secure Illinois's win.

The Fighting Illini, now 6-1 at home for the season, will next host a three-game series against Maryland starting Friday at 6 p.m. CT.