Illinois takes two of three games from Rutgers
A solid conference performance from Illinois.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Fighting Illini made a brief comeback from their slump over the weekend. Illinois hosted Rutgers for a three-game conference series, going 2-1 after falling in the series finale.
Illinois now has a 12-10 record on the season. Immediately coming into the first matchup, the Illini plated nine runs in the first inning. The Scarlet Knights would be unable to even pose a threat to their lead, officially securing a 13-7 victory for Illinois.
It was a lucrative day for AJ Putty, who’s been having a phenomenal season, as he amassed 16 putouts and five RBI. His single in the bottom of the first allowed Illinois to tie the game before dominating for the remainder of the night. Moving onto the second game, it seemed like Illinois’ offense was going to have a slow day.
Jack Zebig broke a scoreless tie with a grand slam in the third inning. The team continued to increase the lead as Rutgers failed to respond. The faceoff ended with the Illini topping the Scarlet Knights 12-6.