CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Pat McInerney homered for the third straight game Sunday to lead the Illinois baseball team to a 5-2 win over Indiana State. The Illini swept the three-game series from the Sycamores.
McInerney hit a two-run shot to left field as part of a three-run second inning that put Illinois ahead 4-1. Casey Dodge also homered, the first of his career, in the fifth inning to add to the Illini's lead.
McInerney finished the series 4 for 9 with three homers and four RBIs.
Illinois (9-16) held Indiana State to four hits today, and just 15 hits and seven runs in 27 innings this weekend. The Illini struck out 23 and walked nine during the three-game series.
The Illini had to use five relievers today after Luke Shilling was pulled in the third inning with an injury. Quinten Sefcik (3-3) was the first out of the bullpen, getting the win in 3 1/3 innings while allowing one run on two hits.
Zack Jones (0.2 IP, 0 H), Ryan Thompson (1.0 IP, 0 H), Ryan Schmitt (1.0 IP, 0 H) and Joey Gerber (1.0 IP, 1 H) worked the sixth through ninth innings almost flawlessly. Gerber capped the day by striking out the side in the ninth for his second save of the season.
Indiana State (12-12) starter Ryan Keaffaber (2-2) was tagged with the loss. He allowed two runs in 1 2/3 innings. Jeremey McKinney followed with three runs allowed on four hits in the next 3 1/3 innings.
Dan Giesler homered for the second straight day for Indiana State.
Illinois is back in action Tuesday against Missouri at Sauget, Illinois. The Illini travel to Michigan next weekend to resume Big Ten play.
McInerney Home Run
Dodge Home Run
