MADISON, Wis. – The Illinois softball team stranded 10 base runners, including two in each of the last three innings, and could not capitalize on its opportunities in a 4-1 setback to Wisconsin, evening the series at 1-1, on Saturday (April 23) at Goodman Diamond.
The Illini, who fall to 27-19 and 6-10 in the conference, put the leadoff batter on base in five of the seven innings, but managed to only scratch one run across in the first frame.
"Breanna Wonderly was working through adversity out there today, but we could not get that timely hit to help her out," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We need to comd out strong tomorrow and be ready to battle for that series win."
For the fourth-straight game, senior Allie Bauch gave the Illini a leadoff base runner in the opening frame with a single to left field. She then advanced to third on a single through the left side from junior Nicole Evans and came home on a throwing error from the Badger left fielder.
The Badgers (24-18-1, 9-6-1) responded with four-straight unanswered runs, starting with three unearned runs in the bottom of the first on a bases-loaded walk and a two-run single down the left field line. An RBI single to left field in the third then finished off the scoring for the home team.
The Illini outhit the Badgers for the second-straight game, 10-6, with both teams committing one error in the contest. Bauch, Evans and senior Danielle Trezzo each registered two hits in the game for the Illini.
Junior Breanna Wonderly (11-9) allowed four runs, with only one earned, on six hits and two walks, while striking out four in a complete game effort.
Kirsten Stevens (10-8) earned the win for the Badgers as she held the Illini to just one unearned run on 10 hits and a walk and striking out seven in seven innings.
The Illini and the Badgers wrap up their three-game set with the rubber match in the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT in Goodman Diamond.
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