ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Fighting Illini softball concluded its Big Ten series against Michigan, with an eight-inning loss, 2-1, at Hutchins Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Illinois dropped to 23-17 on the year and 2-8 in conference play while Michigan improved to 19-15 overall and 5-4 against league opponents.
Lauren Wiles got the start in the circle, tossing 2.2 innings while allowing one run on two hits while fanning one Wolverine batter. Sydney Sickels moved to 11-7 with the loss, pitching 4.2 innings in relief.
Sydney Malott led the way offensively for the Fighting Illini, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run and an RBI. Paige Berkmeyer put together a noteworthy effort, going 1-for-2 with a double.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois drew first blood with Malott's solo dinger, giving the Fighting Illini the early edge in the top the second.
Michigan knotted the game in the third with a single up the middle scoring the tying run. Following the score by the Wolverines, Sickels came in to relieve Wiles. The veteran pitcher closed out the inning and threw three scoreless frames.
The Fighting Illini threatened in the seventh with back-to-back singles and an intentional walk loading the bases with two away. However, Illinois was held scoreless with the game headed to the bottom of the inning.
A leadoff walk proved to be problematic as a stolen base and an error put a Wolverine runner on third with no outs on the board. However, Illinois escaped unscathed, sending the game to extra innings.
The bats went quiet for the Illini in the eighth. A rally from Michigan with a single and a walk put a pair on base with just one away. A double off the left center wall plated the final run of the game, handing Illinois the 2-1 loss in extra.
UP NEXT
Illinois remains on the road for a rematch with No. 23 Northwestern on Wednesday. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m. and will be aired on Big Ten Network
GAME NOTES
» The Fighting Illini wore navy jerseys, improving to 5-4 while donning those.
» Illinois moved to 9-28 all-time against Michigan
» The Fighting Illini moved to 19-14 during day games.
» Illinois moved to 19-6 when plating the game's first run.
» In extra innings, the Fighting Illini hold a 3-1 record.
» Hits were tied at five apiece.
