Mark Allen Pitching Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Mark Allen Pitching Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Illinois achieved a decisive win over SIUE, securing a 17-6 victory in a game held at Illinois Field. The baseball team, represented as the Illini, demonstrated offensive prowess with five home runs, culminating in a seven-inning run-rule. The win improved Illinois' record to 21-13 while SIUE fell to 15-20.
Key performances included those from Vytas Valincius, who went 3-for-3, and Coltin Quagliano, who went 3-for-4. In total, six players from the Illini achieved multi-hit games. The home run hitters in this game were Greg LaChance, Drake Westcott, Quagliano, Collin Jennings, and Will Johannes.
Luke Weber received the win, successfully completing a quick 1-2-3 third inning. Payton Hutchings efficiently closed the game by striking out all three batters he faced in the seventh.
In terms of gameplay, the Cougars initially took the lead with a solo home run, but Illinois quickly responded with six runs in their first time at bat. Key plays included RBI-doubles by LaChance and Valincius and a grand slam by Johannes which set the score at 6-1. SIUE narrowed the gap with three runs in the second inning, making it 6-4, but Jennings' three-run home run restored Illinois' five-run lead.
The progression continued with Quagliano's solo home run leading off the third inning. Illinois then scored four more in the fourth inning, highlighted by LaChance's home run, to increase the lead to 14-4. Valincius drove in two more runs in the fifth, while Westcott's home run in the sixth finalized the score at 17-6.
Post-victory, Illinois prepares for a three-game series against Washington, with the first game scheduled for Friday at 9:02 p.m. CT.
Game notes highlight that every Illinois starter reached base during the win. The Illini had more hits than the Cougars at a ratio of 16-5, with six players in the team achieving more than one hit each. They also succeeded in hitting five home runs and went 8-for-13 when batting with runners in scoring positions. The pitching team limited SIUE-Edwardsville to 12 ground balls, four fly balls, and five strikeouts during their 29-player encounter. The Illini also drew six walks from SIU-Edwardsville pitchers.
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