LOS ANGELES – Illinois fell in its Big Ten series opener on the road to No. 20 USC, 4-0, on Friday night at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles.
The Illini held the Trojans to only one run across the final eight innings, but a three-run first proved too big of a deficit to overcome as the Orange and Blue saw their five-game winning streak come to an end.
The Trojans tallied three runs on three hits in the opening frame, though Plumley held USC off the board and to only one hit over his final four innings of work. Sam Reed entered in relief, throwing three innings while striking out three.
The Illini's two hits came from Michael Farina and Daniel Contreras to lead off the fourth inning.
GAME NOTES
- Nick Groves went 0-for-2 but reached base twice on a walk and a hit by pitch.
- Extended his on-base streak to 24 games.
- Michael Farina finished 1-for-3.
- Has reached base in each of his first 12 games as an Illini.
- Has a hit in six straight games.
- Daniel Contreras went 1-for-4.
- Has a hit in 10 of the last 11 games.
- Has reached base successfully in 11 straight games.
- Collin Jennings went 0-for-3 but reached on a hit by pitch.
- Has reached base safely in 10 straight games.
- Ben Plumley went five innings with three earned runs and a strikeout.
- Did not allow a run across his final four innings.
- Went at least five innings in his third straight appearance.Â
- Sam Reed recorded three innings while striking out three.
- Tallied his longest relief outing of the season.
- Struck out a season-high three batters.
UP NEXT
Illinois continues its three-game series at No. 20 USC with Game 2 on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. CT. The contest will stream on B1G+ from Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles.
