March 21, 2015
Urbana, Ill. - The Fighting Illini was unable to avoid another big inning by No. 15 Minnesota, as an eight-run third inning allowed the Golden Gophers to claim the first Big Ten series of the year with an 11-1 victory in five innings on Saturday. The nationally-ranked Gophers (26-4, 2-0 Big Ten) captured their 12th-straight win, while Illinois dropped to 8-18 (0-2 Big Ten) on the year.
"Minnesota has come out very aggressive," said head coach Terri Sullivan. "We need to do the same tomorrow, in particular in the circle, and we will have a tough game three."
Carly Thomas went yard for the Illini in the bottom of the third, but Jess Perkins, who also threw a key runner out stealing, was the only other Illini with a hit in the game.
Shelese Arnold, making her first start for the Illini in a month, allowed the first eight runs on eight hits over two and two-thirds innings to fall to 4-6 on the year. Kate Giddens faced three batters but surrendered a three-run home run, but Breanna Wonderly then came in and tossed two-and-a-third innings of scoreless ball on two hits and two walks.
2014 Big Ten Pitcher and Freshman of the Year Sara Groenewegen (17-2) made her second consecutive start against the Illini, allowing one run on two hits and a walk, and Kylie Stober tossed two hitless innings of relief. Tyler Walker, Kaitlyn Richardson and Erica Mayer all hit the long ball for Minnesota.
Taylor LeMay got things going for the Gophers in the top of the second with a single through the left side. Erica Meyer ripped one just inside the first-base line, but was thrown out by Sanchez trying to stretch it to a double. However, Arnold walked Paige Palkovich, and Tyler Walker belted her third home run of the series to spot Minnesota three runs in the second.
The Golden Gophers loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the third, and a wild pitch allowed Richardson to cross the plate. Great defense by Perkins and Ruby Rivera saved a pair of runs with a play at the plate and a runner caught stealing, but two pitchers and two home runs later, Minnesota led 11-0.
Thomas tried to start a rally in the bottom half, leading off with a solo shot to right, but that was the last of the Illini offense, as Minnesota took the game by a score of 11-1.
The Illini close the series with Minnesota on Sunday, March 22, with first pitch set for Noon.
