UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Fighting Illini dropped their series opener at Penn State, 9-8, away from home on Friday night.
Illinois jumped out to a 6-0 lead after three innings of play, but the home side went on to tie the game in the fifth before ultimately recording the game-winning run in the eighth.
Collin Jennings went 3-for-4 at the plate with four RBI, including his team-leading sixth home run of the season. Nick Groves reached base four times and scored three times in the leadoff spot.
GAME NOTES
- Nick Groves went 1-for-2 while also registering three walks and three runs scored.
- Extended his on-base streak to 36 games.
- Now tied for the seventh-longest reached base streak by an Illini since 2004.
- Tied his career-high and set a new season-best with his three walks.
- Drew multiple walks for the fourth time.
- Equaled his season-high with three runs scored.
- Scored multiple times for the sixth time.
- Jack Zebig went 1-for-3 with two RBI.
- Recorded multiple RBI for the second time this season.
- Tied his season-high with two walks.
- Has posted multiple walks in three games.
- Collin Jennings went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI.
- Has a hit in nine of the last 10 games.
- Secured a season-high four RBI.
- Drove in multiple runs for the sixth time.
- Hit his team-leading sixth home run of the season.
UP NEXT
Illinois (12-12, 4-6 B1G) will take on Penn State for Game 2 on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT. The action from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in University Park, Pa., will stream on B1G+.
