URBANA, Ill. –Fighting Illini softball fell to Ohio State, 11-0, in a six-inning affair at Eichelberger Field on Friday night.
With the series-opening loss, Illinois dropped to 23-19 overall and 2-10 in Big Ten play. Ohio State added to its five-game winning streak, improving to 26-13 on the year and 7-5 in conference play.
Sydney Sickels started and took the loss in the circle for Illinois, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing five runs on five hits. Addy Jarvis, Juliana Hooker and Morgan Scivally saw time in the circle during the loss.
At the plate, the Fighting Illini were paced by Sydney Malott and Kailee Powell, who both went 1-for-2 on the day with a walk. Abby Ryniec added a single for the Fighting Illini.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ohio State logged a home run in each of the first three innings, putting Illinois behind 5-0 early in the game.
In the bottom of the third, a single by Ryniec began a rally as a hit batter and a walk loaded the bases for the Orange and Blue. However, Illinois was unable to capitalize with a pop out ending the frame.
Following a scoreless fourth for both teams, Ohio State added a pair of runs in the fifth and plated four runs in the sixth to take a commanding lead.
With two outs on the board in the bottom of the sixth, Powell sent a single to centerfield before Malott walked, putting a pair of runners on. However, a flyout ended the game, handing Illinois the shutout loss.
GAME NOTES
» Illinois went 0-2 with runners in scoring position.
» The Fighting Illini drew four walks from Ohio State pitching.
» Illinois dropped to 3-12 when allowing the opposition to score first.
» The Illini moved to 5-5 at home this year.
» Illinois wore orange jerseys, moving to 8-4 when donning those.
» The Fighting Illini dropped to 9-5 in shutout games.
» Illinois fell to 4-3 in shortened contests.
