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Walton back in a groove after rough tourney

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois shortstop Adam Walton ended the regular season on a high note.

The redshirt sophomore hit .381 with seven runs scored and played nearly flawless defense in the Illini’s final two home series against Rutgers and Nebraska.

Then things fell apart in the Big Ten tournament.

Walton’s batting average dropped 20 points in Minneapolis. Instead of sparking the Illinois lineup from the leadoff spot, Walton struggled through a four-game stretch in which he went hitless in 16 at-bats.

An error in each of the final three games compounded his difficult week at Target Field.