After falling to No. 14 Northwestern 6-2 on Friday, the Fighting Illini came into Saturday’s game with an improved offensive approach. But their pitching was ultimately unable to hold off the Wildcats in an 11-6 loss.

Northwestern (22-9, 8-0 Big Ten) struck first, scoring four times in the first inning. The fourth inning was the only one in which the Wildcats failed to register a run.

The Illini offense showed some spark, driving in six runs off Wildcats sophomore pitcher Lauren Delaney. Senior centerfielder Sarah Bryers provided most of the offense for Illinois (22-22, 2-6 Big Ten), driving in four on a homer in the sixth and a triple in the seventh. Also going deep for the Fighting Illini was senior shortstop Angelena Mexicano, her fourteenth round-tripper of the season.

Michigan State (20-17, 4-4 Big Ten) will be in town Sunday for a doubleheader. The Spartans are coming off two shutout losses to Iowa.