Eastern Illinois (28-19) drove just over an hour north to Eichelberger Field to compete against Illinois (21-26, 5-13) for a midweek matchup. Although it was rather uneventful for most of the game, action ramped up in the sixth inning.
Though the Illini outhit the Panthers 8-7, they failed to use these hits to their advantage. Here are some essential points from Wednesday’s game that illustrate the highs and lows of Illinois’ one-run loss.
Missed opportunities
In hindsight, the Illini could have, and should have, won this game. However, there were too many instances in which the team couldn’t finish what it started. In other words, the Illini left numerous runners on base and missed out on scoring.
For example, in the second inning, Illinois had the bases loaded and only one out. Then, its next two batters struck out swinging, and the team went down scoreless.
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This wasn’t the only instance the Illini abandoned their runners on base. Illinois stranded at least one runner in each of the following innings, demonstrating its lack of offensive momentum.
These missed opportunities were a detriment to the Illini. If a couple of extra swings connected, the outcome would have been completely different.
Responding to pressure
After just two hits all game from the Panthers, they came out eager in the top of the sixth. Eastern Illinois jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the frame. But the Illini never go down without a fight, and sophomore utility player Delaney Mosley came in clutch at the right time.
“It felt like I knew what I was looking for and I was ready to attack,” Mosley said.
With two on following a pair of walks, Mosley walked up to the plate and drilled a double to left center field. The crowd went crazy as redshirt sophomore outfielder Alaina Miller and redshirt sophomore center fielder Yazzy Avila each ran home.
Now tied at two, the game proceeded through a scoreless seventh.
So close, yet so far
Illinois’ earlier problems came back to haunt it once again in the ninth inning. But this time, issues occurred on both sides of the ball, and the defensive mistakes were extra costly.
A throwing error sent two Eastern Illinois runners flying across home plate to give the team a 4-2 lead. After that, Illinois had one more chance to save itself.
“We always like to remember our big, ‘Why?’, like why we play the game of softball,” Mosley said. “For all of us, that’s mostly playing for each other. I feel like we all just pick each other up and look to have each other’s backs.”
In the bottom of the ninth, the Illini managed to score one run through a sacrifice fly. However, the offense couldn’t find a groove, and a groundout ended the game.
Now with three losses under them and an intimidating Buckeye squad coming into town, the Illini will need to play for each other more than they ever have before.
@tess_eken
