URBANA, Ill. – Behind four home runs and 11 hits, the Illinois softball team earned a 13-4 five-inning, run-rule victory over SIUE on a sun-and wind-filled Wednesday (April 17) evening at Eichelberger Field.
"It is always important to get a win on your home field, especially against a good in-state team," said head coach Tyra Perry. "We are always trying to play our best game and get a win and tonight we did."
The Illini (27-14) scored their 13 runs on 11 hits – including four home runs – with senior Kiana Sherlund going 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs, while redshirt-senior Annie Fleming posted a 2-for-4 mark at the plate with three runs and one RBI. Seniors Veronica Ruelius and Stephanie Abello also added two hits, two runs and an RBI on the night.
Fleming got things going with a leadoff solo home run in the opening frame en route to an early 4-0 advantage.
After the Cougars (12-19) came back with a pair of runs in the top of the second, the Illini broke out with a six-run bottom half of the frame, highlighted by a three-run dinger from sophomore Katie Wingerter.
SIUE answered back with solo shots in the third and fourth innings, before the Illini shut the door with three scores in the bottom of the fourth with home runs from Abello and Sherlund.
Senior Taylor Edwards (3-4) earned the win after allowing just three earned runs on seven hits and three walks and struck out three in 3.1 innings of action. Classmate Emily Oestreich finished off the contest with a one-hit, one-walk 1.2 frames of work.
Next Up
The Illini continue their four-game homestand this weekend as they host No.22/19/23 Michigan in a three-game conference series on April 19-21. First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m. CT, 1 p.m. CT on Saturday and 2 p.m. CT on Sunday.
For more Fighting Illini softball news, stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com and follow @IlliniSB on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook.
