CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Fighting Illini defeated Illinois State on Tuesday evening at Illinois Field, 11-9. Kellen Sarver led the way at the plate for the Illini, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, and three runs scored. Cam McDonald also had a two-hit game, notching a double and a triple while also extending his on-base streak to 30 games. With the win, the Illini split the season series against the Redbirds and also move to two games over .500 on the season (16-14 overall).
The two teams combined for ten runs in the first inning as Illinois State (12-15) scored four while Illinois (16-14) plated six. The two teams continued to go back and forth before the Illini took the lead in the third inning as Danny Doligale drew a bases loaded walk to bring home the go-ahead run. Illinois never gave up the lead after the third inning, scoring another five runs. Illinois State added a three-run homer in the fifth to cut the deficit to 10-9 before the Illini scored one more on Sarver's solo home run in the sixth.
Andrew Pogue earned the win for Illinois to move to 1-0 on the season. Alex Vera was impressive out of the bullpen, throwing 4.0 innings and allowing just one run on three hits. Joeseph Glassey picks up his second save of the season after coming in and shutting the door with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
NOTES
• Cam McDonald has reached base in every game this season (30-game on base streak).
• Branden Comia has hit safely in 14 consecutive games.
• A combined ten runs were scored in the first inning.
• Illinois is now two games over .500 for the first time this season (16-14).
• Illinois has scored six or more runs in every win this season.
• Illinois has recorded 10+ hits in 18 of 30 games this season.
