Illini softball returned to Big Ten competition Saturday against Michigan State, defeating the Spartans, 13-3, in a weather-shortened five-inning game. The big blow for the Illini came off the bat of left fielder Hollie Pinchback. The sophomore went deep for a grand slam in an eight-run third inning for the Fighting Illini.

Illini softball returned to Big Ten competition Saturday against Michigan State, defeating the Spartans, 13-3, in a weather-shortened five-inning game.

The big blow for the Illini came off the bat of left fielder Hollie Pinchback. The sophomore went deep for a grand slam in an eight-run third inning for the Fighting Illini.

Michigan State remained scoreless until the fifth, when it tallied all three of its runs on a homer by senior catcher Kara Weigle.

Monica Perry (13-6) pitched all five innings of the shortened game to get the victory for the Orange and Blue.

Illinois (18-8) and Michigan State (13-16) wrap up their two-game series Sunday at Eichelberger Field in a game that will be televised on the Big Ten Network.