Illinois Grinds Out Win Against Central Michigan

RALEIGH, N.C. – Illinois softball downed Central Michigan, 12-8, at The Marucci Classic on Friday afternoon.

The Fighting Illini improved to 5-5 on the year while CMU dropped to 1-5.

Lauren Wiles got the start in the circle. Danika Frazier came on in relief, tossing 4.2 innings with one strikeout. Karley Yergler earned the win, moving to 2-2 on the year. 

Offensively, Adisyn Caryl had a home run and four RBI along with going 4-for-4 at the plate. Ella Cushing compiled a standout performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-1 with a grand slam. Stevie Meade posted a 3-for-4 performance with two RBI

How It Happened

CMU struck first in the opening frame, taking the 2-0 lead following a blast over the centerfield fence.

The Fighting Illini charged back, with an RBI single from Caryl and an RBI double from Meade locking the game, 2-2

With Frazier in the circle, Central Michigan tacked on a run in the second, taking the 3-2 edge over the Orange and Blue.

Despite going scoreless in the second, the Fighting Illini answered in the third. Meade earned her second RBI of the day with a single to right field. 

Central Michigan retook the lead in the top of the fourth, 4-3, but the advantage was short-lived. With a walk and a single putting a pair on with two away, Caryl cranked a homer over the centerfield wall. In the following frame, the Illini extended its lead, 7-4.

The three-run advantage did not last as Central Michigan tied the game with a three-run dinger.

In the bottom of the sixth, Illinois loaded the bases with a pair of outs on the board. Cushing came in as a pinch hitter and sent a no-doubter out of the park, opening the 11-7 game. A triple from Alaina Miller extended the Orange and Blue advantage, 12-7 heading into the final frame.

Despite Central Michigan's late rally, the Fighting Illini took down the Chippewas 12-8.

Up Next

Illinois continues its run at The Marucci Classic with games against CMU and Northern Colorado on Saturday. First pitch against the Chippewas is slated for 9:30 a.m. CT with the battle against the Bears to follow.

Notes

» Illinois wore anthracite uniform, moving to 2-1 while donning those
» A run was scored in every inning.
» Caryl's home run was her second of the year.
» Cushing hit her first collegiate home run
» Every Illinois starter reached base safely in the win.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Chippewas at a 15-12 clip.
» Illinois went 7-for-19 (.368) with runners in scoring position.
» Four Fighting Illini had multiple hits in the ballgame.