April 2, 2008
Box Score (Game One)
Box Score (Game Two)
URBANA, Ill. - The Fighting Illini softball team (19-17, 1-1 Big Ten) wasted no time breaking in the newly renovated Eichelberger Field at Martin Stadium, smashing four home runs and pounding 27 runs in the doubleheader sweep of Eastern Illinois (10-15, 5-3 OVC) on Wednesday evening. Centerfielder Sarah Bryers bashed two long balls in game one to lead Illinois to the 13-5 victory, while shortstop Angelena Mexicano and first baseman Katrina Ross each went deep in game two in the Illini's 14-1 win.
"We've been waiting since the beginning of the season to play at home and our team was very excited," head coach Terri Sullivan said. "It was great to be back on our home field and in front of such an enthusiastic crowd because that's what makes it worth it."
With the pair of home runs in each game, Illinois has now hit at least two home runs in its last four games. The Illini have gone deep a total of 13 times in their last six games.
Mexicano went 4-for-6 on the day with seven RBIs, including her team-leading 12th home run of the season, bringing her career total to 39. In addition to her two home runs, Bryers finished the day 3-for-5 and drove in five runs.
Claire DeVreese (13-11) and Vicky Brown (2-2) each earned a victory for their solid performances in the circle. DeVreese went three innings and gave up two earned runs on two hits with four strikeouts in game one, while Brown carried a shutout into the fifth before allowing just one earned run on five hits and fanning two through the full five innings.
The Illini made themselves right at home in game one, as they scored in each inning of the contest. Although EIU tied the game at two in the third inning, Bryers quickly put Illinois back on top with a three run blast to left field. It marked back-to-back at-bats that Bryers went deep as she smashed her career-high sixth homer of the season.
With a four-run lead, Illinois never looked back, adding a run in the fourth before putting up a six-spot in the sixth to seal the victory. The Illini took advantage of a pair of Panther miscues then iced the game thanks in part to Mexicano's three-run double.
The Orange and Blue offense exploded again in the second game, taking a four-run lead after three innings before lighting up for 10 runs in the fourth. Designated player Danielle Vaji got things rolling after an errant throw by the catcher allowed two runs to score and Vaji to reach third. Vaji, who was making her third career start, had two hits in the game and reached base in all three plate appearances.
"We're trying to give different people a chance in the lineup and they're stepping in and doing good things," Sullivan said. "Overall we want to keep our offense hot because our team is very confident and that's half the battle. We've picked up our consistency on offense and continue to strive for balance on both offense and defense because you have to have both of those going to win at this time of the year."
The Illini continued their consistent offense and defense play through the final innings, scoring 12 more runs and playing flawless defense. Bryers and rightfielder Hope Howell each drove in a run in the third before every Illini in the lineup crossed the plate in the fifth. Ross belted a three-run shot and Mexicano had three RBIs in the inning, including a two-run homer to cap off the 14-1 victory.
With the home-opener under their belts, the Illini hit the road again for their second weekend of Big Ten action. Illinois travels to Penn State on Friday for a 6 p.m. (ET)/5 p.m. CT matchup then rounds out the series on Saturday at noon (ET)/11 a.m. (CT). The Orange and Blue then head to No. 5 Michigan for a noon (ET)/11 a.m. doubleheader.
