URBANA, Ill. – Illinois softball dropped a contest to Minnesota in five innings, 16-1, at Eichelberger Field in a Big Ten clash on Friday night.
With the loss, the Fighting Illini moved to 13-17Â this season and 0-3Â in conference play. Minnesota improved to 16-15 this year with a 2-2 league mark.
Lauren Wiles got the start and took the loss, moving to 5-7 on the year. Offensively, Megan Ward strung together three hits and added the lone Orange and Blue RBI of the day.
How it happened
Minnesota came out swinging, tacking on a pair in the first inning.
Illinois had its chance in the bottom of the frame, loading the bases on an error, a single and a walk. However, a groundout ended the rally in the opening frame.
The Gophers followed by scoring 14 unanswered to hold the 16-0 edge.
Down to the final three outs, Kelly Ryono recorded a leadoff single and advanced to second on the play. Ward brought the runner home with a single of her own. But, it was the only score for the Illini in the 16-1 five-inning defeat.
Notes
» Illinois wore orange jerseys, moving to 4-4 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 23-31 all-time against Minnesota.
» Kelly Ryono extended her reached-base streak to 16 games.
» Megan Ward logged her 200th career hit.
» Attendance on Friday night was called at 461.
