URBANA, Ill. – Indiana State jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first and used a season-high 16 hits to overpower Illinois, 9-2, at Eichelberger Field in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday.
The win marked the second consecutive win over a Big Ten Conference opponent for the Sycamores (11-12) after a 3-2 win at Purdue last season.
Illinois (17-6) entered the game ranked No. 20 in the RPI and were receiving votes in the national polls but couldn't keep pace with the hot bats of Indiana State while, at the same time, digging a hole for themselves with four errors.