CHAMPAIGN — Illinois State managed four hits against three Illinois pitchers while the Illini unleashed a 17-hit attack to defeat the Redbirds, 14-3, in the opening game of a weekend series Friday at Illinois Field.
A three-run home run by Jack Yalowitz sparked a five-run fourth inning that launched the Illini (15-4) to their eighth victory in their last nine games. Illinois State fell to 13-7.
ISU trailed 6-0 before scoring in the fifth inning when Derek Parola reached on a fielder's choice that scored Jack Butler. The Illini answered with four runs in the bottom of the fifth to make it 10-1.