CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Despite holding a 5-2 lead heading into the sixth inning, the Fighting Illini softball fell to Rutgers, 10-5, in eight innings after the Scarlet Knights scored eight unanswered runs on a cold and windy Satutday (April 2) afternoon at Eichelberger Field.
With the setback, the Illini fall to 22-11 on the season and 3-2 in the Big Ten, while the Knights improve to 16-20 and earn their first conference win for a 1-4 mark in league play.
Leading 5-2 heading into the sixth inning, the Knights rallied to even the score with an RBI double to right field from Sierra Maddox, followed by a Jordan Whitley single down the left field line scratched the tying run across.
The Knights continued the scoring in extra innings as Melanie Slowinski led off the eighth with a solo home run down the right field line to give the visitors a lead they would not relinquish, before a two-run homer from Maddox made it 8-5. RU then added runs on a stolen base and an RBI single to second base for the five-run win.
After Rutgers opened the game with an RBI sacrifice fly in the first, junior Nicole Evans answered with a leadoff home run in the second frame to even the score. It was Evans' eighth home run of the season.
The Knights jumped out front again with a run in the third, but an RBI single to centerfield from junior Alyssa Gunther combined with a bases loaded walk to senior Remeny Perez gave the Illini their first lead of the day.
The Illini looked primed to take the series win as redshirt-freshman Emily Brodner led off the fourth with her second long ball of the season and sophomore Annie Fleming roped an RBI double to left center to give the Orange and Blue a three-run edge.
The Illini were outhit by the Knights, 14-13, with each team committing one error in the contest. Fleming led the Illini with a 3-for-4 performance with a double, a triple and an RBI, while Bauch added a 3-for-5 effort in the loss.
Junior pitcher Breanna Wonderly (8-4) allowed eight runs on 10 hits in seven innings to take the loss, with freshman Taylor Edwards coming on in relief in the eighth inning and giving up two runs on four hits.
Aubrie Levine (1-4) earned the win after giving up just two runs on seven hits in six innings of work.
Illinois and Rutgers will wrap the three-game series on Sunday (April 3) with a 12 p.m. CT game at Eichelberger Field. Fans are encouraged to wear their Orange and Blue for School Spirit Day with prizes for the most spirited fans.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow the team on Twitter @IlliniSB or like Fighting Illini Softball on Facebook.
