In a game that lasted almost five and a half hours due to multiple weather delays, Illinois (14-13) looked nothing like the team that scored 30 runs in its last series victory. This loss to Illinois State (19-10) continues the trend of floating around .500, as Illinois just can’t seem to consistently rack up wins.
The Illini have had to rely on a high-scoring offense to win a lot of their games, but the bats ended up being their main issue. Just three total hits tie for the second-lowest amount so far this season. Not being able to consistently win innings will prevent the Illini from gaining momentum at the plate, limiting what this offense can do.
Early pitchers duel
The story of this game for both teams was solid outings from their starting pitchers. For Illinois, sophomore right-hander Sam Mommer drew the start. In the longest outing of his season, he threw four scoreless innings with two strikeouts.
Mommer has been one of Illinois’ more consistent arms this season, boasting a 1.89 ERA with a .127 batting average against, second best on the team. Starting just three of his eight outings, a game like this could lead to even more opening appearances for the sophomore.
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On the other side, it was redshirt sophomore right-hander Carson Cormier for the Redbirds. In five innings, he struck out five while only giving up two hits. It was one-two-three inning after one-two-three inning for an Illinois offense that could not seem to find its rhythm.
Illinois strikes first
The sixth inning saw the Illini finally put a run on the board. Junior infielder J.R. Nelson reached base on a leadoff walk and was able to advance to second on a wild pitch. Senior outfielder Nick Groves then laid down a bunt that resulted in a botched throw to first. Nelson was able to make it home, giving the Illini their first and only run of the game.
The 1-0 lead was very short-lived, though. It was a tough inning for junior right-hander Olivier Martel, who immediately gave up a leadoff single and a walk. Junior utility player Graham Mastros then doubled down the line, scoring the Redbirds’ first run.
Junior outfielder Luke Stulga followed that up with a triple to the gap, which cleared the bases and gave Illinois State a 3-1 lead.
Illinois State was able to secure an insurance run in the seventh inning off a double hit by junior catcher Michael Carrano Jr. A couple of sacrifice flies brought him in to bring the lead up to 4-1.
Momentum going into rival series
The Illini’s next series is against their rival, the Purdue Boilermakers (19-9, 7-5). This isn’t the type of game Illinois would want out of the offense before playing a huge Big Ten series with implications on standings.
The Illini will look to secure the five seed in the Big Ten with a win against the Boilermakers. The first game is Friday in West Lafayette, Indiana, with first pitch set for 5 p.m. CDT.
