CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Paige Berkmeyer's grand slam helped Illinois to a 6-4 victory over Indiana State on Tuesday at Eichelberger Field.
The Orange and Blue improved 11-9 this year while the Sycamores dropped to 5-18.
Megan Nuechterlein (2-2) earned her fifth start of the year. The sophomore went 4.0 innings and allowed two runs on three hits while fanning one. Lauren Wiles tossed 2.0 innings and Karley Yergler earned the save as she pitched the final frame.
Offensively, Eileen Donahue posted a 3-for-3 day at the plate. Berkmeyer led the team with four RBI while Taylor Porter and Adisyn Caryl added a pair of runs.
How it Happened
Both teams went scoreless through three innings of play, but Indiana State broke open the game with two runs in the fourth.
Indiana State made a change in the circle before the bottom of the frame and the new Sycamore pitcher loaded the bases in a hurry. With no outs, Berkmeyer sent the ball over the left field fence, putting the Illini in front, 4-2.
Caryl began the Fighting Illini half of the fifth with a double and the sophomore was brought home following an RBI single from the bat of Donahue. Another RBI single, this time by Ella Cushing, extended the Orange and Blue's 6-2 advantage.
Indiana State added back a run in the sixth and a run in the seventh. But with Yergler dealing in the circle, the Illini hung on for the 6-4 triumph.
Up Next
The Fighting Illini face off against Illinois State on Wednesday. First pitch from Eichelberger Field is slated for 5 p.m. on B1G+.
Notes
» Illinois wore white jerseys, moving to 1-3 while donning those.
» Paige Berkmeyer caught her fourth runner stealing this season.
» With 38 runners caught stealing in her career, Berkmeyer moved into sole possession of third place in the category.
» Berkmeyer's grand slam was the first of her career, third of the season for the Illini and 53rd in program history.
» Illinois went 4-for-11 (.364) with runners in scoring position.
» Karley Yergler's save was the first buy any Illini player this season.
» Illinois moved to 14-2 all-time against Indiana State.
