CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois softball team could not overcome a first inning Ohio State grand slam and a season-high four errors as the Buckeyes took the series opener, 7-4, on Friday (May 5) evening at Eichelberger Field.
The Buckeyes (32-14, 14-7 Big Ten) jumped out quickly with an opening inning Taylor White grand slam, along with a single run in the fifth on a double and an Illini fielding error to grab an early 5-0 advantage.
Illinois (35-16, 13-7 Big Ten) answered back in the third as a pair of bunt singles from sophomore Kiana Sherlund and senior Ruby Rivera and a walk issued to senior Nicole Evans set the table for a two-run double to left center from sophomore Stephanie Abello to cut the deficit to 5-2.
A pair of unearned Buckeye runs in the top of the sixth then pushed the lead back to five at 7-2.
The Illini looked to put together a rally in the bottom of the seventh as senior Nicole Evans and Rivera led off the frame with back-to-back walks before advancing to second and third on a passed ball and Rivera scoring on a wild pitch. Another Illini walk and a hit-by-pitch then loaded the bases, before junior pinch runner Sam Acosta came home on an RBI grounder from junior Leigh Farina. Down 7-4, the Illini could not capitalize on the opportunity as the Buckeyes took the series opener.
The Illini registered five hits, but equaled a season-high with four errors in the setback and stranded 11 runners on base. Along with Sherlund, Rivera and Abello, juniors Annie Fleming and Rowan McGuire also notched hits, while senior Nicole Evans was walked four times on the night and Rivera added two runs score.
Senior Breanna Wonderly (18-13) dropped the decision after allowing seven runs – only four earned – on nine hits and two walks and struck out one in the complete game.
Illinois continues its regular season finale weekend with game two of the series on Saturday (May 5) at 1 p.m. CT in Eichelberger Field. Saturday will also be the annual World's Largest Softball Tailgate beginning at 11 a.m. and running until the start of the contest, with Senior Day festivities also taking place on Saturday after the conclusion of the game.
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.
