CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois used a six-run third inning to secure a 6-2 win over the Maryland baseball team Saturday afternoon at Illinois Field.
The Terrapins (31-14, 14-6 Big Ten) attempted to come back with a pair of single runs in the sixth and seventh, but the combined pitching performance of starter Cyrillo Watson and Ryan Schmitt kept the Maryland offense at bay.
Illinois' scoring in that six-run frame began with Ben Troike's RBI single before Pat McInerney doubled down the left field line to plate a run. After a walk with the bases loaded that scored a run, Bren Spillane blew the game open with a bases clearing double.
Maryland squandered a couple early inning opportunities with runners in scoring position, and did not find its first run until back-to-back doubles from Brandon Gum and Marty Costes plated a run in the sixth. Madison Nickens used a double to drive home Kevin Smith in the seventh.
Terps starter Tyler Blohm was bounced after two and two thirds innings. Sophomore John Murphy, senior Tayler Stiles and junior Jamal Wade combined to keep Illinois off the scoreboard for the remainder of the contest.
Costes finished with a pair of hits and Zach Jancarski reached base twice.
Maryland and Illinois conclude their three-game set Sunday afternoon at Illinois Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. and coverage can be heard live on the Maryland Baseball Network.
-Terps-
