URBANA, Ill. –Fighting Illini softball opened its series with Michigan State at Eichelberger Field on Friday night, defeating the Spartans, 4-3.
Illinois moved to 25-21 overall and 4-11 in Big Ten play following the victory. Michigan State fell to 12-26 this year and 2-13 following the loss.
Lauren Wiles got the win for Illinois as the right-hander went 6.1 innings, giving up three runs on eight hits, allowing no walks and striking out one. Sydney Sickels picked up the save, fanning a pair of batters during her 0.2 innings of work.
Kelly Ryono led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, posting a 3-for-3 performance with a double and a home run. Kailee Powell compiled a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI. Delaney Rummell chipped in with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois got on the board with Ryono sending her ninth dinger out of the park during her first bat of the day.
After a scoreless second for both teams, an RBI single from the Spartans knotted the game in the third.
Sydney Malott broke open the stalemate in the bottom of the frame, plating a run. A sacrifice fly from Powell extended the Illini advantage, putting the team ahead, 3-1.
However, the lead was short lived for the Orange and Blue as a two-run homer for MSU tied the game in the fifth.
In the bottom of the frame, Ryono began the Fighting Illini at bat with a single through the right side. With a sacrifice bunt advancing the runner, Powell powered a double to right center, giving Illinois the slight 4-3 edge.
Looking to rally in the final frame, the Michigan State squad loaded the bases with two away. With Sickels in the circle, the Indianola, Iowa, native struck out the final batter of the game, sealing the 4-3 triumph over the Spartans.
GAME NOTES
» Illinois wore white uniforms, moving to 7-5 when wearing those.
» The Fighting Illini moved to 14-3 when scoring in the first.
» The Illini jumped to 21-6 when scoring first.
» Sickels picked up her second save this season and 19th of her career.
» Wiles improved to 6-5 in the circle this season.
» The match up marked the first softball game in Big Ten history where both teams were led by Black female head coaches.
UP NEXT
Illinois continues the series with Michigan State on Saturday. First pitch from Eichelberger Field is slated for 5 p.m. on ESPNU.
