URBANA, Ill. --Illinois topped DePaul, 9-4, at Eichelberger Field on Tuesday.
The Orange and Blue improved to 19-23 this year while DePaul dropped to 14-28 this season.
Megan Nuechterlein (5-5) went five innings, giving up one run on three hits, allowing three walks and striking out a pair. Lauren Wiles and Briana Bower saw time out of the bullpen.
At the plate, the Fighting Illini were paced by Keirys Click, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and two RBI. Paige Berkmeyer also contributed for Illinois, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a walk and three RBI. Berkmeyer also gunned down a runner for the 41st time in her career.
Stevie Meade compiled a noteworthy effort as well, going 1-for-2 with a triple and two RBI. Meade also tallied a sacrifice bunt, her 31st all-time, to become the program's outright leader in the category.Â
HOW IT HAPPENED
Click started the Illini bats with a solo home run in the first to tie the game, 1-1.
In the fourth frame, the Illinois offense exploded for six runs, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Berkmeyer and a two-run triple from Meade, which brought the score to 8-1 in favor of the Fighting Illini.
DePaul narrowed Illinois' lead to 8-2 before the Fighting Illini stretched the advantage to 9-2 in the sixth inning. The Blue Demons put two runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Illinois coasted to the 9-4 win.
GAME NOTES
» Every Illinois starter reached base safely in the win.
» The Fighting Illini out-hit the Blue Demons at a 9-4 clip.
» Yazzy Avila stole two bases in Tuesday's game.
» Illinois went 3-for-10 (.300) with runners in scoring position.
» Illinois pitchers limited DePaul to just 1-for-11 (.091) with runners in scoring position.
» The Fighting Illini drew four walks from DePaul pitching.
