March 21, 2009

Box Score

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Ben Reeser threw six quality innings and third baseman Dominic Altobelli had two doubles and three RBI to lead Illinois (12-3) to a 7-3 victory over Hartford (1-9) at Chain of Lakes Field in Winter Haven, Fla. Reeser gave up only two hits and no earned runs while striking out six to improve to 3-0 on the season.

"Ben Reeser went out and pitched well, putting up a lot of zeros early," Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb said. "We did a good job of being patient at the plate, drawing some walks and getting some clutch hits. (Shortstop Brandon) Wikoff and Altobelli really swung the bat well and hit the ball hard. It was a solid game for us."

Illinois posted three runs on three hits in the first and wasted no time grabbing an early 3-0 lead. Center fielder Joe Bonadonna walked, stole second and advanced to third on Wikoff's single. With runners on the corner, Altobelli smashed a two-run double to the gap in left center. One out later, first baseman Craig Lutes found the hole on the left side and plated Altobelli.

The Illini tacked on two more runs in the third when Altobelli blasted his second double down the left-field line and knocked in Wikoff from first. Two outs later, designated hitter Daniel Parker, making his first career start, scored Altobelli with an RBI single to right field.

Illinois added two more runs in the fourth as the Bonadonna drew his second walk of the game, marking the fourth inning in a row that Illinois' leadoff hitter walked. After Bonadonna stole second and third, left fielder Casey McMurray brought him home with a sacrifice fly to center. Wikoff doubled down the right-field line and scored an out later on a single up the middle by catcher Aaron Johnson, which gave the Illini a 7-0 margin.

Reeser was perfect through four innings and needed only seven pitches to fly through the fourth. The senior starter gave up only two unearned runs in the sixth.

Blake Fairchild came on in relief and gave up a sacrifice fly in the seventh, which ended the Hawks' scoring on the day. Corey Kimes breezed through the eighth and John Anderson threw a hitless ninth to close out the game.

McMurray extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a single in the sixth. Wikoff finished the day 3-for-4 with three runs scored, while Bonadonna walked twice, scored twice and had three stolen bases.

Up Next: Illinois begins a three-game set against Central Connecticut State Sunday at 1:30 p.m. CT at Chain of Lakes Stadium. Bryan Roberts will be the game one starter for the Illini.