CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Minnesota opened a 6-1 lead through three innings and went on to a 14-6 win over the Illinois baseball team Sunday at Illinois Field. The Gophers clinched the three-game series after a doubleheader split Friday night.
Illinois (21-19, 7-8 Big Ten) had won two straight series and eight of its last 10 games before falling Sunday. The Gophers were the third team – and first Big Ten squad – to put up double digit runs against the Illini in 2016.
Minnesota (27-13, 11-3 Big Ten) held its spot in first place of the conference standings, one up in the loss column on Michigan and Indiana. The Gophers have won all five of their Big Ten series with wins over Iowa, Michigan, Maryland, Northwestern and Illinois.
Doran Turchin had a two-run single in the sixth and a solo home run in the ninth, tying him for the team lead with four homers on the year. Jason Goldstein added three hits and a RBI and Trent Hammond had two hits, two runs scored and a RBI.
The Gophers were led by No. 6-8 hitters Alex Boxwell, Jordan Smith and Micah Coffey, who combined to go 8 for 14 with six RBIs, eight runs scored, two doubles, one triple and two home runs. All nine batters in the Minnesota lineup got at least one hit and scored at least one run.
Illinois starter Cole Bellair (2-3) took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits in 2.0 innings.
Michael Hurwitz' career-long 15-game hitting streak came to an end.
The Fighting Illini celebrated Honor and Serve Day with special camo uniforms that were auctioned for a local charity. Approximately $6,000 was raised through the auction.
Illinois returns to action Tuesday against Mizzou at GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Illinois, and Wednesday against Southern Illinois at Illinois Field.
