Illini Blank Saint Louis in Home Opener

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Karley Yergler went the distance for her first complete game shutout of the season as Illinois softball topped Saint Louis, 5-0, at Eichelberger Field on Friday.

The Fighting Illini improved to 10-9 this season while the Billikens fell to 7-9 on the year.

Offensively, Yazzy Avila led the way with a 2-for-2 day at the plate including a home run and two RBI. Taylor Porter went 2-for-3 in the leadoff position. 

Yergler's complete game helped the pitcher to a 4-2 record in the circle. The junior allowed just three hits and fanned three batters

How It Happened

The Illini got on the board first with Avila starting a two-out rally in the bottom of the second. With Avila on second, Porter sent a single off the pitcher to put runners on the corners. Alaina Miller followed at the plate, and Avila stole home, putting Illinois ahead 1-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, Ava Moore began the frame with a triple, her second in as many games. The freshman was followed by a home run from Avila, extending the 3-0 advantage.

Illinois scored again more in the sixth, with Adisyn Caryl and Ellie Haggard adding and RBI singles for the 5-0 advantage.

While Saint Louis threatening in the seventh by putting a pair of runners on with one away, Yergler did not waver. The Illini tallied back-to-back outs to end the game, sealing the victory. 

Notes

» Illinois wore navy jerseys, moving to 5-2 while donning those
» The Fighting Illini are 5-0 all-time against Saint Louis.
» The Illini improved to 2-3 during shutouts.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Billikens at a 9-3 clip.
» Ava Moore extended her hitting streaks to four games
» Yazzy Avila hit her second career home run.
» The game marked Karley Yergler's second complete game and first shutout as an Illini
» The Fighting Illini drew four walks from Saint Louis pitching.