CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois baseball team took the lead twice in the late innings Friday against Nebraska before eventually falling, 8-6, at Illinois Field.
Illinois (7-9) scored six runs combined between the sixth and seventh innings, but Nebraska (12-4) answered both times. The Huskers scored three in the seventh and two in the eighth, as the lead changed in four straight half innings.
Nebraska starter Cade Povich cruised to the sixth, while only allowing three hits, before the Illini got to him and made it a back-and-forth game. Ryan Hampe, Justin Janas, and Jacob Campbell all hit RBI singles in the inning and the Illini added another run on a passed ball to take a 4-2 lead.
After Nebraska answered in the seventh, Illinois scored two more runs in the bottom half. A wild pitch tied the game at 5-5, then Janas singled through the left side to take a 6-5 lead.
That lead was short-lived as Nebraska scored three runs on three hits and an error in the eighth inning to take the lead for good. Shortstop turned closer Spencer Schwellenbach closed the door with his fourth save of the season in a scoreless ninth inning after going 3-for-5 at the plate.
Nathan Lavender was good in his first Friday night start, going four innings and striking out six while allowing only one run. Ryan Kutt (0-2) took the loss in relief.
Lefthander Jake Bunz (2-1) was the winner in relief. He got the final out of the seventh and pitched a scoreless eighth before giving way to Schwellenbach.
The two teams are back at Illinois Field on Saturday for Game 2 of the three-game series.
Notes
• Branden Comia extended his career-best on-base streak to 34 games dating back to May 18, 2019 at Michigan State.
• Comia is hitting .606 (20-for-33), with six doubles, a home run, six RBIs and 11 runs scored over the last eight games.
• Justin Janas extended his career-best on-base streak to 14 games.
