IOWA CITY, Iowa – Illinois dropped the second game of its series at Iowa, 6-5, at Duane Banks Field on Saturday afternoon.

After the Hawkeyes jumped out to a five-run lead, the Illini answered with a three-run homer from Will Johannes in the sixth. Iowa plated one in the home half of the frame, which proved to be the difference, as the Orange and Blue cut their deficit to one with a two-run eighth.

Nick Groves went 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot, while the Illini's seven, eight, and nine hitters – Daniel Contreras, Johannes, and J.R. Nelson – accounted for five RBI.

Mitch Dye got the start, going five innings with three strikeouts, while Brayden Mazzacano and Reed Gannon combined for 2.2 scoreless innings in relief.

POSTGAME NOTES

• Nick Groves went 3-for-5.
  • Had at least three hits for the team-leading eighth time.
    • Was his 15th multi-hit game of the season.
• Jack Zebig went 1-for-5.
  • Has reached safely in 11 straight contests.
• Kyle Schupmann recorded a 1-for-4 day at the plate and scored twice.
  • Has reached safely in 12 games in a row.
  • Scored multiple runs for the 13th time.
• Will Johannes went 1-for-4 with a home run.
  • Was his eighth homer of the season.
  • Had multiple RBI for the 11th time.
• Brayden Mazzacano threw 1.2 scoreless innings with one strikeout.
  • Was his longest outing in Big Ten play this season.
  • Marked his third scoreless appearance of the year.
• Reed Gannon tossed a scoreless eighth.
  • Was his eighth scoreless appearance of the campaign.

UP NEXT

The Fighting Illini (22-23, 9-14 B1G) will take on the Hawkeyes in the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT.