CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Junior AJ Montoya and freshman Michael Ryan each connected on fifth-inning home runs to lead the Rockets to a 10-4 win over Illinois in the University of Illinois Tournament finale on Sunday.
Toledo (5-15) senior starting pitcher Sam Shutes was dazzling in 6.0 innings of work. Shutes allowed just five hits and a pair of earned runs with a career-high tying nine strikeouts.
The Rockets starters their run scoring early with a three spot in the top of the second frame. Montoya singled, freshman Malave Bettinger walked, Ryan walked and all three scored on a two-out three run double by freshman Antonio Bennett.