CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois picked up a series-opening walk off win over in-state rival Northwestern Friday night at Illinois Field, defeating the Wildcats 7-6. Branden Comia (4-for-5, 3 RBI) singled home Brody Harding to give the Illini their first walk off victory of the season and improve to 17-14 overall and 8-2 in the B1G. Northwestern moves to 15-14 (4-3 B1G).
Illini hitters Branden Comia, Taylor Jackson, and Cal Hejza each picked up multi-hit games on the evening. Comia added two RBI and two runs scored in addition to the walk off hit. Cole Kirschsieper (4-2) did not get a decision despite pitching 5.0 innings and giving up just one run on four hits while striking out seven.
Branden Comia opened up the scoring for the Orange and Blue with his team-high fifth home run of the season in the third inning, a solo shot to tie the game at one. The Illini followed up with runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take a 3-1 lead into the sixth. Northwestern scored a run in the top of the eighth to come within a run of the Illini.
Jack Wenninger entered in relief of Kirschsieper in the sixth inning, going 2.0 innings and allowing one run on three hits while striking out three. Ty Rybarczyk earned the win, improving to 2-1 on the season. Northwestern's Coby Moe (1-2) gets the loss.
NOTES
• Cam McDonald reached base in every game this season (31-game on base streak).
• Branden Comia has hit safely in 15 consecutive games.
• Branden Comia now has a team-high 14 multi-hit games this season.
• Justin Janas was hit by a pitch for the 12th time this season.
• Illinois won on a walk off for the first time this season.
• Illinois struck out 10+ batters for the ninth time this season.
• Illinois has recorded six or more runs in every win this season.
• Illinois has recorded 10+ hits in 19 of 31 games this season.
