NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois softball triumphed, 9-2, over Illinois State in a clash at Marian Kneer Stadium on Tuesday evening. Â
The Orange and Blue improved to 12-13 on the year, while the Redbirds moved to 7-21 during the 2024 season.
Lauren Wiles picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Illinois. The right-hander went 5.1 innings, giving up two runs, zero earned, on three hits while allowing three walks and striking out one.
Paige Berkmeyer went 3-for-5 with a home run in addition to her four RBI for the Fighting Illini. Kelly Ryono put together a standout day at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk and three RBI. Stevie Meade also contributed for Illinois, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding a double.
How it Happened
Both teams went scoreless through four, but the Illini broke open the game in the fifth. Serena Starks began the rally with a leadoff single before Ryono sent a ball over the left-field fence, helping Illinois take the 2-0 lead. Meade followed with a double before the Berkmeyer's RBI single extended the 3-0 advantage.
In the next Illini at-bat, a pair or errors helped score the first run of the inning. RBI singles from Ryono and Adisyn Caryl gave Illinois the 6-0 edge. On the second pitch of her at-bat, Berkmeyer sent a no-doubter over the left-field fence for a three-run homer.
With the Illini holding a 9-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth, the Redbirds rallied with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to force the seventh. The score would hold following the final frame, with the Orange and Blue coming out on top, 9-2.
Up Next
Illinois begins Big Ten play with a series at Nebraska from March 22-24. First pitch from Friday's contest on Big Ten Network is slated for 5 p.m. CT.
Notes
» Illinois wore anthracite jerseys, moving to 2-4 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 17-9 all-time against Illinois State
» Ryono extended her reached-base streak to 11 games.
» Every Illinois starter reached base safely in the win.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Redbirds at a 12-4 clip.
» The Illini drew six walks from Illinois State pitchers.
