EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois softball bats continued to stay hot as the Illini earned their fourth-straight victory with a 10-0 shutout of SIUE in six innings on Wednesday (March 21) afternoon at Cougar Field.
The Illini (19-9), who have 10 of their last 11 games, added to their home run total with another three long balls on the day. The Illini have now notched at least one home run in the last eight games and have totaled 16 homers in that span. Along with yesterday's seven bombs against UIC, the Illini have posted 10 dingers this week alone.
Quotable
"It was a solid win behind the strong pitching of Taylor Edwards. I am really proud of the quality at-bats that we have had over the past few games. We are looking forward to continuing to hit the ball as we open Big Ten Conference play this week." – head coach Tyra Perry.
What Happened
Redshirt-junior Carly Thomas started things off with a two-out standing double in the opening frame and was brought home on an RBI single from junior Stephanie Abello for the 1-0 lead.
A triple from junior Kiana Sherlund led off a five-run third as the Illini put together four-straight RBI hits, including a pair of doubles from Thomas and freshman Bella Loya, Abello's second single of the game and a two-run home run from senior Maddi Doane. It was Doane's fourth home run of the season and third in the last two games.
The Illini then closed the door with four runs in the sixth as senior Sam Acosta notched an RBI single, followed by a two-run Thomas homer and a solo bomb from Loya.
Junior Taylor Edwards (6-5) was dominant in the circle as she gave up just two hits and allowed just two runners past first base, while striking out five in her first complete game win of the season.
The Illini registered 13 hits - with seven going as extra-base knocks – as Thomas set the pace with a 3-for-4 performance that included two doubles and a home run as well as three RBI and three runs. Loya added two hits, two RBI and two runs, while Doane and Abello each contributed two hits and two RBI on the day.
What's Next
The Illini next open Big Ten Conference action in West Lafayette, Ind., with a three-game series at Purdue on March 22-23. Illinois opens the series with a single game against the Boilermakers on Thursday (March 22) at 4 p.m. CT, before a doubleheader on Friday (March 23) beginning at 3 p.m.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow the team on Twitter @IlliniSB or like Fighting Illini Softball on Facebook.
