After putting up five runs against Bradley (11-32) in Illinois’ (26-19, 12-12) previous game, the offense stayed hot in game one against Rutgers (24-24,12-12). The Illini came out swinging, with sophomore center fielder Collin Jennings launching a three-run home run in the first inning.
This blast gave Illinois a lead, and it held on until the fourth inning. Rutgers exploded for eight runs between the third and sixth innings, highlighted by a four-run fourth.
Sophomore right fielder Cameron Chee-Aloy also hit a three-run home run for Illinois, but it wasn’t enough. The Illini fell to the Scarlet Knights 9-7. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Schmitt allowed seven earned runs in five innings of work in the narrow defeat.
Illinois drops another close game
Game two also went in favor of Rutgers by another two-run margin. Illinois’ problem was its number of hits. The Illini were out-hit 11 to five by the Scarlet Knights, which was the deciding factor in this game.
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Despite the 7-5 loss, junior catcher Will Johannes had an unbelievable day at the plate.
Johannes accounted for four of the five Illinois runs with his four RBI day. Johannes tallied two hits in four at-bats, one of which was a home run.
Typically light-hitting Chee-Aloy hit a home run, his third of the season, for the second straight game. But, just as in game one, this effort wasn’t enough.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Regan Hall went five innings on the bump and surrendered six runs. Four other pitchers combined for three innings of one-run ball in relief, but the bats couldn’t close the deficit.
Rutgers breaks out brooms
Illinois’ back was against the wall in game three as it tried to avoid a sweep. The Illini jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but quickly found themselves down 6-2 after two frames. Illinois wasn’t able to dig itself out of this hole and fell to Rutgers 12-5.
Senior left-handed pitcher Payton Hutchings went four innings, allowing three runs. Junior left-hander Reed Gannon was torched, giving up six runs in 1.2 innings.
Sophomore left-handed pitcher Zach Bates was the only Illini with a clean line score on the day, having gone 1.2 innings and striking out three.
On offense, Illinois couldn’t get much going. Senior left fielder Vytas Valincius and junior shortstop Jack Zebig were the only two batters with multi-hit games.
Next team up
This week, Illinois will take on Bradley at home in the final Tuesday game of the season. Over the weekend, Illinois and UCLA (34-13, 17-7) battle in a highly anticipated series.
Coming off this loss to Rutgers, there’s no question that Illinois is looking to pick up a series win.
