March 13, 2010
Box Score
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The #21 Illini won their 10th straight game on Saturday with a 5-1 victory over Bradley in cold and rainy conditions at Missouri's Children's Hospital Invitational to improve to 16-1 on the season. Freshman hurler Pepper Gay moved to 7-0 on the mound, striking out a career-best seven batters. Redshirt freshman shortstop Jessica Davis had the hit of the game for Illinois in the fifth, with a two-out double to left field that scored three runs and broke the game open.
"We left a couple people on base all game but were able to put it together and push through in the fifth inning," assistant coach Katie O'Connell said. "Their pitcher kept us off balance for a few innings, but we made adjustments and started seeing the ball better. It was nice to get the win but this wasn't one of our better performances."
The Braves (9-8) took an early 1-0 lead, as third baseman Jackie Roth homered to left field in the second. Bradley starter Katie Dennis kept the Illinois offense in check through the first two innings, as the only Illini baserunner was second baseman Danielle Zymkowitz, who reached on a walk and stolen base.
The Orange and Blue threatened to score in the third, but couldn't capitalize. Designated player Danielle Vaji hit a one-out single through the left side, with Zymkowitz then reaching first on a Bradley error. The Illini were unable to do any damage off of Dennis, however, going down in the inning on a fielders choice and ground out.
Illinois finally got it going offensively in the fifth, scoring all five of its runs in the inning. First baseman Meredith Hackett got things started with a leadoff single, with Vaji reaching on a fielder's choice. Zymkowitz followed with a clutch single up the middle, scoring pinch runner Nikki Simpson from second to tie the game at 1-1. With two outs, rightfielder Hollie Pinchback drew a walk to load the bases, bringing up catcher Audrey Gallien. Dennis then threw a wild pitch that scored Vaji from third to give Illinois a 2-1 lead. Bradley pitcher Mackenzie Camp relieved Dennis at that point, but Gallien drew a walk to load the bases again and set up Davis' bases-clearing double to left field that put the Orange and Blue up 5-1.
On the mound, Gay allowed just two Bradley baserunners after the second inning. The freshman gave up just three hits and one walk while string out seven to earn her seventh win of the season. Jackie Guy came on in relief for Illinois in the seventh, allowing no hits and sriking out a batter in one inning of work.
The Illini were scheduled to face No. 3 Missouri this afternoon, but the game was cancelled due to the rain. Illinois has now had two games rained out at the Children's Hospital Invitational, as its game against San Diego State was cancelled on Friday evening.
Up Next: Illinois is slated for one more game at the Children's Hospital Invitational. The Illini and San Diego State are scheduled to play tomorrow at 9 a.m.
