April 20, 2002
Box Score
State College, Penn. -
Another rain delay of one hour and 17 minutes was just the beginning of Illinois' problems today. The Fighting Illini split the series with Penn State as the Nittany Lions defeated Illinois, 10-2, in six innings. Illinois is now 28-17 overall and 6-6 in the Big Ten.
"Today, we just didn't play well," said head coach Terri Sullivan. "No part of our game was pretty good and every Penn State part was good. We have to put this game in our short term memory and be ready for Ohio State tomorrow."
Penn State, who was the visiting team, got on the board in the top of the second. After the PSU leadoff batter Erin Norton was hit by Illini pitcher Sherri Taylor, she moved to second on a ground out to second. Kelley Galigher singled to center, putting runners on the corners. Catcher Erica Greenburg hit a double to left field, scoring Norton and Galigher.
Illinois went three and out in the bottom of the second while Penn State scored two more in the third. Centerfielder Gina Bianchini reached on a Katie O'Connell error and advanced to second to start the inning. Mandy Nuxoll tripled to right center, sending in the Lion's third run of the game. Illinois tried to break up the momentum by bringing in freshman pitcher Abby Lovejoy for Taylor. Taylor (15-13) allowed three hits and two earned runs while taking the loss. The move got the Illini their first strikeout of the game as Lovejoy struck out Jennifer Tripkin. Nuxoll did score on a one-out ground out to second.
After leaving a base runner on in the third, Penn State added a run in the fourth. Galigher again singled to center and moved to second when Greenburg hit a shot to third baseman Erin Jones that was recovered by shortstop Lindsey Hamma to throw Greenburg out at first. Lovejoy had her second strikeout victim, but allowed the next batter to reach on a throwing error by the pitcher. During the play, Galigher advanced to third. With runners on the corners once again, Penn State only scored one run as Bianchini singled to first.
Illinois finally scored in the bottom of the fifth inning. Centerfielder Sarah Baumgartner blasted a one-out double to left. Freshman LeeAnn Butcher bunted down to third to advance Baumgartner to third. Illinois tried to put both runners in scoring position, but Butcher was caught trying to steal second. It was only the second time all season Butcher had been thrown out trying to take an extra base. Designated player Lauren Gronski hit a RBI single to right center, bringing in Baumgartner. Alicia Hammel grounded out to short to end the inning.
Penn State took the momentum back in the sixth inning by scoring five runs. Greenburg doubled to right center to lead off the inning. Second baseman Susan Suplock blasted a one-out home run to left. Sophomore Lindsey Tanner became the Illini's third pitcher of the afternoon. Lovejoy allowed six hits while striking out two in 3.1 innings of work. Tanner walked Bianchini, the first batter she faced. Bianchini stole second off of catcher Gronski, who came into catch for Janna Sartini in the sixth. Nuxoll had a bunt single and advanced Bianchini. Nuxoll stole second and Bianchini scored on a double steal. Tripken singled to second while Nuxoll moved to third. PSU scored Nuxoll on another double steal. Norton lined out to Jones at third, but Tripken scored on an error by Jones.
The Illini tried to mound a comeback in the bottom of the sixth. Leadoff hitter Hamma singled. Jones reached on a fielder's choice as Hamma was out at second. Sartini grounded out to the pitcher while moving Jones to second. Erin Montgomery doubled to left center, scoring the speedy Jones. The rally ended as O'Connell grounded out to the pitcher.
Illinois looks to get back on the winning track as they travel to Columbus, Ohio, for a twinbill against Ohio State. Game one starts at 11 a.m. Central.
