After a series win this past weekend in which they scored 28 runs, the Illini (12-11) offense suddenly fell flat in a disappointing loss to the Missouri Tigers (17-8).
This isn’t the start Illinois wanted for this two-week road trip, and a 2-6 away record shows the team’s lack of consistency outside of Champaign.
Costly error puts Tigers ahead
Senior right-hander Ben Plumley drew the start for the Illini, but only saw one batter as he was taken out after giving up a leadoff walk. Senior left-hander Sam Reed came in after and was able to immediately secure an out on a fielder’s choice.
Things went downhill after that, as a single and a walk loaded the bases for the Tigers. Senior outfielder Cameron Benson then reached base on a costly error from freshman first baseman AJ Putty that brought in two runs, putting Missouri up early. Freshman infielder Blaize Ward then added to the lead with a 2-run double to left field.
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Solid outing for Mommer
While Illinois’ offense continued to struggle to drive in baserunners, its lone bright spot came from a solid outing by sophomore right-hander Sam Mommer.
Mommer logged three innings pitched, striking out a team-high three batters while giving up no runs. He has been a reliable arm for an inconsistent Illinois pitching rotation, and he has notched at least 2 strikeouts in all of his appearances this season.
The pitching in this game wasn’t the problem, as Illinois also saw solid performances from junior right-hander Olivier Martel and graduate student right-handers Liam McKillop and Richie LaCien.
In one inning of work each, they held Missouri to just one run in the final six innings of action while totaling four strikeouts. Versatility and, more importantly, reliability, will be crucial for this Illini bullpen going forward as they head into a stretch of Big Ten matchups.
On the board … they are too
Illinois finally drove in a run in the sixth inning. Redshirt junior infielder Kyle Schupmann doubled down the left field line, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. After a dropped third strike resulting in a passed ball, he scored Illinois’ first run.
The Illini still weren’t able to win the inning, as the Tigers responded with a run of their own. Benson smacked a double to right-center and scored after a flyout followed by a sacrifice fly.
Illinois needs to get back on track offensively if it wants to remain competitive in the Big Ten. Currently sitting at a tie for eighth, the Illini have an opportunity to bounce back against the Penn State Nittany Lions (15-7, 4-2), who have struggled this season.
The first game of that series is Friday at Penn State, with first pitch set for 4:30 p.m. CDT.
