URBANA, Ill. – Fighting Illini softball took down Bradley, 5-1, in a midweek clash with the Braves at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday night.
The triumph over the Braves gave Illinois an 18-9 record. Bradley dropped to 10-18 with the loss.
Lauren Wiles started in the circle and picked up the win for Illinois as the right-hander went 5.1 innings, giving up one run on five hits, allowing two walks and striking out five. Addy Jarvis came out of the bullpen, picking up her third save throwing 1.2 shutout innings while fanning a pair of batters.
Offensively, the Fighting Illini were paced by Avrey Steiner who went 2-for-4 on the day with a double. Stevie Meade was stellar offensively at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with two RBI. Delaney Rummell added two hits in four trips to the plate while recording an RBI while Megan Ward went 2-for-3 for Illinois.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The offense started off hot in the bottom of the first with Steiner sending a single to left field. The fifth year stole second before Meade drove the runner home with an RBI single.
A scoreless second and third frame followed before the Fighting Illini rallied in the bottom of the fourth. The Illini lineup recorded four-straight singles with zero outs on the board, doubling the Orange and Blue's advantage.
Holding the 2-0 edge heading to the sixth, the Braves added a run in the top of the frame. The Fighting Illini came back swinging in the bottom of the inning, tallying three runs to expand their lead. A single from Kailee Powell and back-to-back walks loaded the bases in a hurry before a sacrifice fly built back the two-run advantage. Kelly Ryono loaded the bases again with a single before Rummell sent a ball to left field, bringing in a pair to give Illinois the 5-1 edge.
Needing three outs to secure the victory, Jarvis struck out her first batter before taking down the next two hitters in order, sealing the Illini win.
Illinois begins Big Ten play with a series with Rutgers from March 24-26. First pitch from Eichelberger Field on Friday is set for 5 p.m.
GAME NOTES
» Illinois moved to 2-2 during midweek games.
» The Illini wore white jerseys, moving to 4-2 while donning those.
» Illinois' 11 hits tied the most for a single game this season.
» Wiles moved to 5-3 in the circle for her sophomore season
» The Fighting Illini hold a 2-3 record during night games.
» Every Illinois starter reached base safely in the win.
» Four Fighting Illini batters had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Braves at an 11-5 clip.
» Illinois pitchers limited Bradley to just 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
