CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Cole Kirschsieper came out of the bullpen on Friday and pitched a gem. Kirschsieper (W, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 SO) helped lead the Illini to a 13-4 win over Michigan State (11-12) at Illinois Field. He retired his final 18 batters faced.
"Our pitching was really good tonight," said head coach Dan Hartleb. "Kirschsieper was awesome. He only gave up one hit tonight and he was in command. It was really good to see that performance from Cole out of the bullpen, it was fun to see."
Illinois trailed 4-1 after two innings, but they responded by scoring 12 unanswered runs over the final five innings to come up with the win. Eight guys drove in runs and seven crossed the plate.
The Illini put up five runs in the fifth inning to grab the lead for good. With the bases-loaded and the score tied at four, Ryan Hampe delivered a bases-clearing double. Hampe finished the night with four RBIs.
A pair of three-hit performances from Cam McDonald (3-for-4, 2B, RBI, BB) and Kellen Sarver (3-for-4, 2B, RBI) helped keep pressure on Michigan State all night. Justin Janas (2-for-3, RBI, 3 R) also had another good night at the plate. Janas pushed his average to a team-best .385 on the season.
Illinois (9-12) will look to take the season series against Michigan State tomorrow. LHP Nathan Lavender will be on the mound for the 1:00 p.m. scheduled first pitch.
Notes
• Illinois' 16 hits tied their season high (April 3 vs. Nebraska).
• Illinois hit a season-high five sacrifice flies in the game. It is their most in a game since at least the 2004 season.
• Illinois has scored at least six runs in all of their wins. The Illini are 9-4 when scoring six runs or more in a game.
• Cole Kirschsieper's six strikeouts matched his career high (March 7, 2021 vs. Ohio State).
• Ryan Hampe tied his career high of 4 RBIs (May 25, 2019 vs. Milwaukee with UIC).
