Rather than dwelling on the losses against Michigan (11-9, 3-3), Illinois (10-7, 1-2) came out of that series with a vengeance.
Before diving into another series, the Illini had a midweek game against the Leathernecks (5-11). This 11-4 home victory lifted Illinois’ confidence back up for its slate against Valparaiso (4-12).
Illinois takes Game 1 shootout
Both teams came out swinging in the first game Friday. In the first inning, Illinois set the tone and scored four runs off the bat. Valparaiso came back in the fifth inning and scored five runs, but Illinois responded with six more in the bottom of the inning.
The Illini’s pitching staff struggled overall in Game 1. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Schmitt allowed four earned runs in as many innings, and junior left-handed pitcher Sam Reed allowed five in 2.2 innings. The bright spot was freshman right-handed pitcher Luke Weber, who managed to hold Valparaiso to one hit and zero runs in the final two innings.
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Per usual, the offense was a team effort. However, senior outfielder Vytas Valincius led the way with three hits and four RBI. Valincius has cemented himself as one of the top hitters for the Illini, batting .338 on the year.
Doubleheader results in another high-scoring output
Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader ended with an Illinois loss. The pitching staff had a tough time once again, allowing 13 runs, even though the offense scored 10. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ben Plumley allowed five earned runs, but his defense didn’t help him. Plumley was tagged with three more unearned runs after the Illini finished with three errors on the day.
On the flip side, the bats stayed hot for Illinois, led by Valincius once again. Valincius was 2-5 at the plate and recorded his third home run of the year.
Game 2 of the doubleheader went much better. Illinois took down Valparaiso with ease. To no one’s surprise, Illinois put up 14 runs, and the pitching staff worked much better.
Overall, Illinois’ pitchers held Valparaiso to only four runs, led by sophomore left-handed pitcher Regan Hall. The young thrower earned his second win of the year after going six innings and only allowing two earned runs.
Four Illini recorded two hits, but junior infielder Jack Zebig drove his teammates in. Zebig only went 1-1, but he recorded five RBI and three walks.
Next up: Indiana State, Northwestern
Taking down Valparaiso was a much-needed series win and momentum boost for Illinois. Illinois takes on Indiana State (9-11) on Tuesday before traveling to Evanston for a series against Northwestern (8-10, 1-2).
