Feb. 25, 2007

Box Score

LAFAYETTE, La. - The Fighting Illini fell behind early and could never fully recover, falling 10-7 in the series finale at Louisiana-Lafayette. Illinois started to mount a rally in the ninth inning but could only pull within three runs. Right fielder Daniel Webb went 2-for-3 with a run and leftfielder Ryan Snowden was 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run for the Illini.

"We need to do a better job situationally as a team," Illinois coach Dan Hartleb said. "But I'm pleased with the fact that we didn't quit. That will go a long way throughout the season."

The Ragin' Cajuns pulled ahead early, touching Illini starter Ben Reeser for five runs in the first inning, including a three-run home run. UL added another in the second to take a 6-0 lead.

But Illinois nearly pulled even in the third, putting up a five-spot. Third baseman Brandon Wikoff walked to lead off the inning, and one out later, Webb lined a single through the right side. Wikoff advanced to third and scored when the second baseman dropped the relay throw. Designated hitter Mike Giller followed with a single to right, pushing Webb to third, and Snowden singled through the left side to plate Webb. First baseman Mike Rohde followed with a triple to right-center and he scored when catcher Lars Davis' grounder found its way through the right side for an RBI base hit, pulling Illinois within 6-5.

UL pushed two more runs across in the third, though, when right fielder Kolin Hatfield deposited Reeser's first offering over the left-field fence for a two-run homer, increasing the Cajuns' lead to 8-5.

"We did a poor job this weekend when we had opportunities to get back in games or put a game away," Hartleb said. "As a pitching staff, we didn't do a good job of holding Louisiana-Lafayette when our offense would get us back in a game."

Illinois threatened in the fourth when shortstop Shawn Roof singled through the left side with one out, stole second and third, and Webb walked. But the Illini couldn't push either runner across.

The Cajuns added to their lead in the fifth, tacking on another run when left fielder Jefferies Tatford was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on DH Scott Hawkins' double to left-center, increasing the margin to 9-5. UL tacked on another run in the eighth, going ahead 10-5.

The Illini looked to rally in the ninth when Roof led off with an infield single and moved to second when the shortstop made a bad throw to first. After a groundout advanced Roof to third, Giller drove him in with a base hit to right. Snowden laced a double to left-center, plating Giller, but that was as much as Illinois could manage, falling 10-7.

On the day, Giller went 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI - his first multiple-hit game in the Orange and Blue - Roof went 2-for-5 with a run and Hudson went 2-for-4 with a double.

Freshman Billy Barrett threw three solid innings of relief, allowing one run on one hit while striking out two in his first career outing.

Up Next: Next weekend, Illinois travels to the Al Ogletree Classic hosted by Texas-Pan American. The Illini face Sam Houston State Friday at 6 p.m., the host Broncs Saturday at 7 p.m. and Stephen F. Austin Sunday at 9 a.m.