Fisher, Illini Clinch Series at Florida Atlantic

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Andy Fisher allowed only one run on two hits in six innings pitched Saturday to lead Illinois to a 5-3 win at Florida Atlantic. The Fighting Illini clinched the three-game series ahead of Sunday's finale.

"We did a great job of putting pressure on them all game," said head coach Dan Hartleb. "We couldn't bury them, but that's what happens when you play a good team. I was really pleased with the progress we made from last night."

Fisher (1-0) tied his Illini career high with nine strikeouts, while allowing only two Owls to reach second base in his six innings of work. The only blemish on Fisher's line was a solo home run from Andru Summerall in the second inning. 

"(Fisher) did a great job," said Hartleb. "He pounded the zone, was down in the zone a lot. He's got some toughness and our defense did a good job behind him."

Illinois (5-0) controlled the game after scoring two runs in the third inning to answer Summerall's homer. Michael Michalak led off the inning with a double, followed by RBI singles from Kellen Sarver and Michael Massey. 

Michalak and Zac Taylor hit doubles for Illinois' only two extra-base hits, but the Illini pounded out 13 hits and every starter reached base. Michalak, Massey and Taylor all tied their respective career highs with three hits. 

FAU (3-3) put the potential tying run to the plate in the seventh, had the potential go-ahead run at the plate in the eighth and the potential tying run again at the plate in the ninth. Illinois hung on with Garrett Acton's second one-inning save in as many days and his third save of the season.

Illinois will send Cyrillo Watson to the mound in Sunday's series finale. The Illini will look for their eighth 6-0 start in 140 seasons.

Best Starts in Illinois History (by year)

2019 - 5-0
2015 - 6-0 (7-0-1)
1986 - 7-0 (9-0-1)
1949 - 5-0
1946 - 5-0
1937 - 5-0
1935 - 8-0
1930 - 6-0
1915 - 12-0
1910 - 11-0 (finished 11-0)
1909 - 7-0
1905 - 5-0
1899 - 5-0

Notes

• Illinois has led or been tied after 38 of 45 innings in 2019. 
• Illinois' bullpen in 2019 » 3-0, 1.27 ERA, 21.1 IP, 15 H, 3 ER, 9 BB, 23 K, .183 BBA
• Opponents are hitting .154 (6-39) with runners in scoring position this season.
• Illinois' 13 hits were one away from their season high of 14 in the opener against Georgetown.
• Illinois wore special blue wristbands to benefit Go4theGoal, a non-profit organization benefiting kids with cancer.

Highlights