Illinois (9-27) fell 8-4 to Illinois State (19-11) in a competitive matchup Tuesday afternoon at Eichelberger Field. The Illini were held scoreless for six innings and had a late push in the final two frames behind sophomore catcher Ellie Haggard’s three-run home run.
Redbirds strike first
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Danika Frazier started the game for Illinois, holding Illinois State scoreless through the first two innings until the Redbirds broke it open in the third.
In the third frame, the Redbirds finally caught up to Frazier, putting up three runs behind senior catcher Baliah Bognar’s two-run home run and an RBI single from senior utility player Bella Atkinson.
“I just think (Frazier) is getting better and better,” said head coach Tyra Perry. “Today, she got behind a little bit on some batters, but she knows that.”
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The Redbird’s offensive outburst unraveled the inning for the Illini. Perry called a timeout and brought the team together for a mound visit, motivating them to fight hard through the rest of the inning.
“I just challenged them to focus, refocus,” Perry said, “And let’s not give away runs, make other teams earn what they get.”
Illinois was not able to generate an offensive comeback of its own. As the Illini continued to battle defensively, freshman left-handed pitcher Abby Sabalaskey stepped up to the mound in relief of Frazier in the fourth frame. Illinois State jumped on her right away, continuing to score in each remaining inning.
In response to Sabalaskey entering the game, Illinois State’s freshman infielder Ava Boyer notched a double to center field, followed by an RBI single from junior infielder Ella Boyer.
“I thought (Sabalaskey) kind of threw some good pitches today,” Perry said. “She’s not quite where she wants to be, but she’s working hard every day to get there.”
As Illinois State continued to chip away, Illinois struggled against junior right-handed pitcher Paige McLeod, who held the Illini scoreless in her five-inning outing.
It’s never too late
The Illini finally found an offensive rhythm in the sixth frame, scoring their first run of the game. Sophomore infielder Keirys Click singled to center field, scoring junior infielder Skylar Brennan.
Haggard continued the momentum with a three-run home run, her eighth of the season, scoring Click and pinch runner senior infielder Reese Hunkins.
“It was really good to see (Haggard) get in rhythm, let the ball travel and get all of it,” Perry said. “She’s a really dynamic hitter, especially when she’s feeling good and seeing the ball.”
The rally for the Illini continued into the seventh inning as pinch-hitter senior infielder Gabrielle Debevec led off, drawing a hit-by-pitch. Brennan reached on a grounder, and the Redbirds attempted to get Debvec out at second. While she was originally called out, the call was overturned, giving Illinois renewed momentum.
Junior infielder Adisyn Caryl followed and was also hit by a pitch, loading the bases for the Illini. With two outs and the tying run up to bat, junior infielder Eileen Donahue stepped up to the plate. Perry called an offensive timeout in the moment of high pressure.
“We were just trying to slow the game down and make sure that moment didn’t get too big,” Perry said. “All of the players, even Click, who was on deck, came up just to let Eileen know that they support her.”
The results did not end in favor of Illinois, as Donahue struck out, sealing the 8-4 loss. Despite not being able to pull through, Perry said that if it happens again, Donahue can produce.
“We can’t ask for much more than that,” Perry said. “We’re at the bottom of the seventh, we got our number four hitter up.”
Illini look to bounce back in Big Ten play
Illinois travels to East Lansing, Michigan, this weekend for a conference matchup against Michigan State (13-20, 0-9). The Illini are seeking to move forward with more wins in Big Ten play, with one currently under their belt. The first pitch is set for 4 p.m. CDT on Friday to kick off the series.
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