Fisher, Yalowitz Lead Illini Over GCU

PHOENIX -- Andy Fisher took a no-hitter to the eighth inning and Jack Yalowitz homered twice to lead the Illinois baseball team to a 6-3 win Friday at Grand Canyon. Fisher ended up throwing seven innings and allowing one run on one hit for the win.

"This was a really good team win," said head coach Dan Hartleb. "We did a good job and had good energy. And we bounced back from a tough weekend."

Fisher (2-1) led 5-0 in the eighth when GCU's Tyler Wyatt broke up the no-hitter on a push bunt to second base. It was Fisher's 103 pitch of the day and his last.

"Andy (Fisher) did such a great job," said Hartleb. "Obviously he had the no-hit bid. He was really really good. Did a great job from the start. He had a little better velocity tonight and mixed pitches well."

Illinois (8-3) handed Grand Canyon (6-7) and starter Kade Mechals (3-1) their first Friday night loss of the season. Mechals, who entered with a 0.49 ERA, had wins over Wichita State, No. 18 TCU and USC in the first three weeks of the season.

Yalowitz homered in the third and ninth innings, both solo shots. He added a two-RBI double in the fourth and an RBI single in the sixth for RBIs in all four plate appearances and a five-RBI day. 

"We had great balance from top to bottom in the lineup," said Hartleb. "You had Jack (Yalowitz) in the 7-hole giving that type of punch."

Zac Taylor scored two runs and stole two bases and Kellen Sarver singled in a run. Sarver scored on Yalowitz' sixth-inning single on a highlight-reel swim-move slide into home plate.

Garrett Acton finished the game with his fourth save of the season.

Illinois is back at Grand Canyon for two games Saturday-Sunday. 

Notes

• Jack Yalowitz tied career highs in hits (4), homers (2) and RBIs (5).
• Illinois has thrown 10 no-hitters in 140 season and none since "Boo" Champagne vs. Bradley 4/24/1985.
• Fisher allowed only four base runners in the first seven innings, three walks and a hit batter. 
• Grand Canyon is 3-1 on Fridays.
• At least 10 former Illini baseball players were in attendance, including current professionals Joey Gerber, Jason Goldstein, Pat McInerney, Bren Spillane and Adam Walton.
• Many former Illini joined Scott Beatty's radio call during the game, highlighted by an electric performance by Anthony Milazzo. 

Highlights

Full Game