FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Adisyn Caryl's ninth-inning heroics powered Illinois softball to victory, 4-3, over Missouri State at the Wooo Pig Classic.
The Fighting Illini improved to 8-6 on the year while the Bears fell to 1-11 this season.
Megan Nuechterlein earned the start in the circle for the Orange and Blue and the sophomore tossed 3.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits while fanning three. Danika Frazier came on in relief along with Karley Yergler. Yergler earned the win, improving to 3-2, when she pitched 3.2 innings to close out the game
Offensively, Caryl paced the squad with a 2-for-4 day at the plate including a home run and an RBI.
How it Happened
After two scoreless innings by both teams, Missouri State broke open the contest with a run in the third.
The Illini offense came alive in the fifth, as a pinch-hit RBI single from Ella Cushing knotted the game at one. Zoie Howard added a clutch single, scoring a pair on the play, extending the Illini's 3-1 edge.
However, the Bears charge back during their next at bat, tying the game, 3-3, in the top of the sixth.
With the battle in extra innings, Yergler continued to deal in the circle. The junior did not allow a hit during her appearance, only conceding three walks.
It took until the ninth inning, but a first pitch homer from the bat of Caryl sealed the 4-3 victory.
Up Next
The Orange and Blue face off against #11/12 Arkansas at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Notes
» Illinois wore navy jerseys, moving to 4-1 while donning those.
» The Fighting Illini moved to 1-1 all-time against Missouri State.
» Illinois improved to 2-0 in extra innings.
» Illinois went 2-for-5 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
» Paige Berkmeyer extended her reached base streak to nine games.
» Ava Moore added to her hitting streak, making it five-straight games with a hit.
» The home run marked the second walkoff home run in extra innings for Adisyn Caryl this year.
