Chambana Sun

Illinois baseball suffered a two-game series loss against Rutgers in today's doubleheader at Bainton Field in Piscataway, N.J. The Illini dropped the first game 9-7 and the second game 7-5 against the Scarlet Knights, adjusting their record to 26-18 and 12-11 in the conference.

In the first game, Illinois took an early lead with Collin Jennings hitting a three-run homer. However, Rutgers responded and pushed ahead with a 6-3 score by the fourth inning. The Illini closed the gap with Cameron Chee-Aloy’s three-run shot, but Rutgers took the lead with two runs in the sixth, ending the game 9-7.

Game notes highlighted Nick Groves' perfect performance at the plate, where he reached safely five times. Jennings' homer was his team-leading 12th of the season, a personal best, while Chee-Aloy marked a season-high in RBIs.

In the second game, Rutgers initially held a 4-0 lead. Illinois responded as Will Johannes contributed with a three-run home run, pulling the team within one run. Despite Chee-Aloy’s home run bringing Illinois closer, Rutgers maintained their lead, finishing the game 7-5.

Upcoming for the Illini is the series finale tomorrow with a first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.

Influential performances from Johannes and Chee-Aloy were noted, with Johannes tying his season-high in RBIs and Chee-Aloy marking consecutive home runs for the first time this season.