Chambana Sun

Illinois' journey in the 2025 Big Ten Baseball Tournament came to an end following an 8-6 loss to UCLA at Charles Schwab Field. Illinois concluded their season with a record of 30-24.

Drake Westcott made significant contributions by going 2-for-5, scoring a run, hitting a home run, and earning an RBI. Coltin Quagliano and Vytas Valincius also played pivotal roles, each securing two RBIs during the game.

Regan Hall started on the mound for Illinois but did not factor into the decision. He pitched for 5.1 innings, allowing six runs on four hits while striking out five batters.

The game saw Illinois take an early lead with Valincius driving in a run with a sacrifice fly. Valincius extended the lead with an RBI single in the third inning. However, UCLA responded with five runs in the third inning to take the lead.

Quagliano managed to reduce UCLA's lead with his first RBI single in the fourth inning. In the sixth inning, Westcott hit a solo home run, and Quagliano scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 5-5. UCLA regained the lead in their half of the sixth, but Illinois tied it again at 6-6 thanks to Quagliano's second RBI single.

Ultimately, UCLA secured their victory by taking back the lead in the seventh inning and adding an insurance run in the eighth.

Westcott's performance throughout the tournament was notable as he went 5-for-10 with two runs scored, two home runs, and two RBIs. He finishes his Illini career second all-time in program history with 43 home runs.

Quagliano had a strong showing by going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk. Valincius also contributed significantly with his multi-RBI performance.

Despite every Fighting Illini starter reaching base safely, Illinois left ten runners stranded and went 3-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The team drew nine walks from UCLA pitching.

Illinois ends its season having achieved three 30-win seasons under head coach Dan Hartleb over the last four years (2022, 2024, and 2025).