CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois clinched a series win over Northwestern with an 11-6 win at Illinois Field Saturday afternoon. Cam McDonald had a huge day at the plate for Illinois, going 5-for-5 with a home run and 5 RBI to lead the Illini to their fourth series win this season. Illinois is now 9-2 in B1G conference play and 18-14 overall with a chance to sweep Northwestern (15-15, 4-4) and pick up their second B1G series sweep of the season on Sunday.
Danny Doligale and Justin Janas each registered multi-hit games as the Illini put up 11 runs on 14 hits, the tenth time this season that the Illinois offense has scored more than ten runs. Cam McDonald also extended his on-base streak to 43 games dating back to 5/8/21 and Branden Comia extended his hit streak to 16 games.
The Illinois offense jumped out to a quick start, tallying three runs on three hits in the home half of the first inning to take a 3-0 lead over the Wildcats heading into the second. The Illini never looked back, scoring another eight runs while holding Northwestern to four runs in the final eight frames.
Jack Crowder started his fifth game of the season, throwing 5.0 innings while allowing two runs and striking out eight to move to 2-1 on the season. Northwestern's Farinelli (3-4) is credited with the loss.
NOTES
• Cam McDonald reached base in every game this season (43-game on base streak dating back to 5/8/21).
• Branden Comia has hit safely in 16 consecutive games.
• Illinois is now 9-2 in the B1G.
• Illinois has scored 10+ runs ten times this season.
• Illinois has recorded six or more runs in all 18 wins this season.
• Illinois has recorded 10+ hits in 19 of 31 games this season.
• Attendance was 1781, the highest attendance of any game at Illinois Field this season.
