Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball team faced a setback in their series opener against Washington, losing 3-1 at Husky Ballpark in Seattle. Illinois now stands at a record of 20-14 overall and 9-7 in conference play, while Washington improves to 20-19 overall and 10-6 in conference.

The Illini's starting pitcher, Tyler Schmitt, was marked with the loss, allowing three runs, two of which were earned, over 4.2 innings. He also recorded four strikeouts. Relief pitcher Sam Reed contributed significantly by delivering 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out six batters, setting a season-high and matching his personal best with the team.

Illinois' Drake Westcott went 1-for-2 with a walk, contributing the team's sole run. He brought home Jacob Schroeder, who went 1-for-3 and scored a run along with hitting Illinois' only extra-base hit, a double.

The game remained scoreless for the initial two innings. Washington took a lead with three runs in the third inning. Illinois responded with one run in the fifth inning, driven in by Westcott. Reed's efforts limited further damage by Washington, but Illinois couldn't rally back in the ninth inning despite Collin Jennings starting with a walk.

Game notes highlighted Westcott's performance, Jack Zebig extending his on-base streak to 30 games with an eighth-inning walk, and Reed's contributions from the bullpen. Illinois pitchers faced 36 batters, allowing three ground balls and ten fly balls, alongside ten strikeouts.

The story was generated using content automation by Data Skrive.