CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Fighting Illini dominated No. 24 Maryland at Illinois Field on Friday night, 19-1. Illinois recorded a season-high 19 runs on 19 hits as five Illini hitters had multi-hit games. The Illini also hit a season-high five home runs while Cole Kirschsieper, Ty Rybarcyzk, and Ryan Kutt threw a combined two-hitter. Illinois (20-15, 11-2) is now tied for first place in the Big Ten after moving to 11-2 in conference play with the Friday night victory.
Kellen Sarver connected on his third home run of the season to open up the scoring for the Illini, a three-run shot in the third inning. After Maryland got a run back in the top of the fourth, the Illini offense exploded for a combined nine runs in three innings to take a 13-1 lead into the eighth inning. Illinois ended up putting up another six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to take a 19-1 lead into the final half inning.
Kellen Sarver, Branden Comia, Justin Janas, Camden Janik, and Andrew Kim each tallied home runs in the win.Â
Cole Kirschsieper delivered another quality start, throwing 6.0 innings and allowing just one run on two hits while striking out eight. Kirschsieper is now 5-2 on the season after earning the win, while Maryland's Nick Dean (3-2) takes the loss. Ty Rybarcyzk entered in relief, going 2.0 scoreless innings and allowing no hits. Ryan Kutt came in for the ninth, allowing no hits and striking out two. Illinois allowed a season-low two hits in the win.
Illinois is back at Illinois Field tomorrow for a doubleheader with the Terrapins with game one beginning at 2 p.m. CT and the series finale beginning at 7 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
NOTES
• Cam McDonald reached base in every game this season (46-game on base streak dating back to 5/8/21).
• Camden Janik has two home runs in his last two at bats.
• Illinois recorded 19 runs on 19 hits, both season highs.
• Illinois scored the most runs in a game since 5/10/15 (28 runs).
• Illinois held Maryland to just two hits, the lowest opponent hit output this season.
• Illinois is now 11-2 and in a tie for first place in the B1G.
• 19 runs scored is tied for fifth-most in a game under head coach Dan Hartleb.
