Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball secured a 4-2 win against Indiana in the opening game of their three-game series at Illinois Field. The victory marks Illinois' seventh consecutive home win, improving their home record to 10-1 this season, and bringing their overall record to 19-12.

Tyler Schmitt delivered a notable performance for Illinois, pitching seven innings and allowing just one unearned run and three hits while striking out six. This marked his second quality start of the season and improved his personal record to 3-1. Zach Bates contributed by holding Indiana to one run over two innings and earning his third save of the season.

The decisive moment occurred in the third inning when Vytas Valincius hit a three-run home run. Valincius finished the game with a 2-for-4 performance, matching his previous streak of multi-hit games. Together with Coltin Quagliano, who went 2-for-3, Valincius helped propel Illinois to a lead they would not relinquish.

In the third inning, despite Indiana's initial lead gained through an error, Illinois responded as Valincius' home run brought them to a 3-1 advantage. Schmitt maintained the lead through strong pitching, and Illinois extended their lead in the eighth inning with a single from Grant Ross.

In a tense ninth inning, Bates managed to pull through by inducing a double play, concluding the game with a strikeout.

The series continues tomorrow at Illinois Field with another match set for 3 p.m. CT.

"Vytas Valincius went 2-for-3 with a run, home run and three RBI," the team noted in their game recap, highlighting his ongoing hitting streak. "Tyler Schmitt improved to 3-1 on the season by tossing his second quality start of the campaign." In total, Illinois out-hit Indiana 7-5 and maintained pressure on the Hoosiers' pitchers with five walks.