The No. 25 Illinois baseball team gave up seven runs in the eighth inning en route to losing 11-9 against Central Connecticut State. The loss is the second in a row for the Illini (12-5) against the Blue Devils (7-3).

The No. 25 Illinois baseball team gave up seven runs in the eighth inning en route to losing 11-9 against Central Connecticut State. The loss is the second in a row for the Illini (12-5) against the Blue Devils (7-3).

Illini starting pitcher Will Strack went a solid six innings and gave up only three runs, two of which were unearned. Illinois led 7-3 heading into the eighth, but relievers Corey Kimes, a freshman, and John Anderson, a junior, looked shaky in an inning that saw the Devils explode offensively and take a 10-8 lead into the ninth. Anderson was charged with the loss.

Senior Dominic Altobelli led Illinois offensively, batting 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a ninth-inning home run. Outfielder Jay Schillaci, a senior, hit 3-for-5 with five RBIs to lead CCS.