MADISON, Wis. – Sophomore Annie Fleming drove in the game-winning run on an RBI single in the top of the seventh inning and junior pitcher Breanna Wonderly has another strong outing in a complete game win as the Fighting Illini softball team defeated Wisconsin, 4-3, in game one of a Big Ten Conference three-game series on Friday (April 22) afternoon at Goodman Diamond.
After a bit of a rough patch, the Illini have rebounded to win four of their last five contests, moving their overall record to 27-18 and 6-9 in the Big Ten. The Badgers fall to 23-17-1 and 8-6-1 in league play.
"It was another hard-fought win today," said head coach Tyra Perry. "I am extremely proud of the team and the way they supported each other today. It was a great start to what is going to be a tough series. We have to come out tomorrow ready to battle."
In a back-and-forth affair, the Illini struck first as senior Allie Bauch opened the game with a leadoff walk and was plated on an RBI single up the middle from Fleming.
The Badgers answered with runs in the bottom of the first and third frames for a 2-1 lead, but back came the Illini as senior Kylie Johnson evened the score in the fourth on a sacrifice fly to left field, before a run in the fifth gave UI a 3-2 edge. Back-to-back singles from juniors Alyssa Gunther and Nicole Evans put runners at the corners for Fleming, who reached on a Badger error to bring home Gunther.
After a Badger two-out RBI double to left center in the sixth tied the score at 3-3 heading into the final frame, Gunther started the Illini off with an infield single to the short stop. After moving to third on a passed ball and an Evans groundout, Fleming scratched her across on her second hit of the day.
Wonderly and the Illini defense then did the rest as Gunther caught a tricky pop-up to seal the victory.
Wonderly (11-8) gave up just three runs, only two earned, on seven hits and five walks, while also striking out three in a complete game effort.
The Illini totaled nine hits and an error in the win, while the Badgers were also hampered by two miscues. Fleming led the Illini with two hits and two RBI, while sophomore Carly Thomas went 3-for-4 with a run. Gunther added two runs and two hits in the contest.
Taylor-Paige Stewart (13-10) went the distance for UW, allowing four runs, three unearned, on nine hits and two walks.
The Illini continue its three-game series with the Badgers on Saturday with a 1 p.m. CT contest at Goodman Diamond.
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.
