Illinois (21-13, 9-6) is looking to light a spark for the rest of the season, having won three of its last four games. The most recent victory came in the form of a run-rule, 17-6 clobbering over SIUE (15-20, 8-4). This is Illinois’ second-straight run-rule win, as it grabbed one over Big-Ten-rival Indiana (20-17, 10-8) on Sunday.
Offensive explosion
Illinois hit the gas pedal almost immediately, plating six runs in the first inning. The scoring began when junior infielder Greg LaChance hit a double that brought home sophomore outfielder Cameron Chee-Aloy.
Illinois was off to a 2-1 lead before the offense loaded up the bases for junior catcher Will Johannes. He stepped up and crushed a grand slam to give the Illini a 6-1 lead.
Chee-Aloy, LaChance and Johannes all went 2-3 during the game.
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“I thought we were very consistent up and down the lineup,” said Dan Hartleb, head coach for Illinois. “I didn’t see guys swing like we’re trying to hit home runs. We just centered balls up and back-spun some balls and just really good play appearances.”
Redshirt senior infielder Drake Westcott has struggled during the season but showed a positive sign on Tuesday. The infielder was the last Illinois player to homer during the game. Westcott has only appeared in 20 games this season and has just a .164 batting average with four home runs.
Shrugging off bullpen day
Tuesday contests consistently have the Illini relying heavily on their bullpen. Illinois gave the start to graduate student left-handed pitcher Reece Marley. This was his first start of the year, and only his third appearance of the season.
Marley had a rough start. SIUE got on the board first with a solo home run from redshirt junior infielder Mack Mitchell, but Marley settled down and recorded three quick outs.
The Clearwater Beach native went one more inning and surrendered another home run. The winning pitcher was freshman right-hander Luke Weber, who retired all three batters he faced. He went one inning, and used just eight pitches to complete the frame.
A scary moment came when Weber saw a ball drilled right back at him. He was able to make a play and get the runner out at first.
“He was walking around the dugout, so I think we’re in good shape,” Hartleb said.
Huskies on deck
Illinois goes out west this weekend to take on Washington (19-19, 9-6). This will be the second time these teams have faced each other. They previously battled on March 1 during the Las Vegas Collegiate Classic.
During that matchup, Illinois emerged victorious, going 10-9. Game one will take place Friday night at 9:02 p.m., game two will be Saturday at 9:02 p.m. and the series finale is on Sunday at 1:32 p.m.
The games will be live on Big Ten Plus and on the radio at 1400 AM WDWS.
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