CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Behind a five-run fifth inning, the Fighting Illini softball team cruised to a 9-1 run-rule victory in six innings in the teams' Big Ten series opener on Friday (April 7) night at Eichelberger Field.
The Illini move their 2017 record to 25-10 and 5-2 in the conference, while the Boilermakers fall to 15-24 and 4-3 in the league standings.
"Our goal was to start the series by playing Illini softball," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We did a good job of that on both offense and defense. Purdue is a good team and we have to come out ready to play on Saturday and Sunday."
Following a leadoff walk from sophomore Kiana Sherlund, the Illini grabbed an early 2-0 lead as senior Alyssa Gunther reached on a throwing error by Purdue third baseman Lexi Huffman, before rounding the bases for the score.
An RBI single up the middle from junior Maddi Doane in second made it 3-0 in favor of the home team, but the Boilermakers got a run back with an RBI single in the fourth.
The Illini then exploded for five runs in the fifth as Sherlund started the scoring with a single through the right side with the bases loaded to bring in a pair of runs. An RBI fielder's choice from Gunther, followed by another two-run Purdue error pushed the edge to 8-1.
With the bases loaded again in the sixth frame, Gunther sent the ball down the left field line for the game-winning single as senior Ruby Rivera crossed the plate for the 9-1 win.
The Illini totaled six hits to the Boilermakers' three, with the visitors committing three errors on the night. Sherlund and Gunther each contributed two RBI, two runs and a hit, while Rivera added two runs.
Senior Breanna Wonderly (11-9) was in complete control in the circle en route to earning her 11th win of the season, allowing just one earned run on three hits and striking out two in a complete game effort.
Boilermaker starting pitcher Kaitlynn Moody (6-8) was tagged with the loss after giving up eight runs (five earned) on four hits and three walks and struck out three.
Illinois continues its series with the Boilermakers on Saturday with Strike Out Cancer and Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer Day at Eichelberger Field. There will be free pink headbands and cancer ribbon memorial giveaways for fans, as well as a free raffle for an autographed ball and post-game autographs. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. CT.
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.
