ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Fighting Illini softball continued its Big Ten series against Michigan, dropping a 3-2 contest at Hutchins Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Illinois fell to 23-16 on the year and 2-7 in conference play while Michigan improved to 18-15 overall and 4-4 against league opponents.
In the circle, Tori McQueen took the loss, dropping to 4-3 on the year. The junior went 4.0 innings and allowed three runs on three hits while fanning a pair of Wolverine batters. Lauren Wiles tossed 2.0 scoreless innings, earning one strikeout.
Kelly Ryono led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 1-for-2 in the ballgame with a double, two walks and two RBI. Stevie Meade put together a noteworthy day at the plate, going 2-for-4.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois had its chances, leaving the bases loaded in the first and stranding runners on the corners to end the fourth inning. However, a three-run homer by Michigan broke open the stalemate in the bottom of the fourth frame.
The bats remained quiet for the Fighting Illini with the team unable to record a hit in the fifth or sixth innings. Trailing 3-0 heading into the team's final at-bat, a walk and a single put a pair of runners on with no outs on the board. Ryono knocked a double to centerfield, plating both runners, leaving Illinois behind by just a run. However, a foul out spoiled the Illini's hopes, sealing the 3-2 loss to Michigan.
UP NEXT
Sunday's series finale against the Wolverines is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT from Hutchins Stadium and will air on Big Ten Network.
GAME NOTES
» The Fighting Illini wore white jerseys, improving to 5-4 while donning those.
» Illinois moved to 9-27 all-time against Michigan
» The Illini dropped to 3-11 when letting the opposition score first.
» The Fighting Illini moved to 19-13 during day games.
» Illinois out-hit the Wolverines at a 7-4 clip.
