TAMPA, Fla. – Illinois secured its first win of the season on Saturday with a 4-2 extra-innings road victory over USF.
Home runs from AJ Putty and Will Johannes fueled the Fighting Illini offense, while Regan Hall and Kyle Remington combined for 10 innings of two-hit ball.
Hall went 6.1 innings, striking out six while allowing just one earned run and two hits. Remington entered in relief, earning the win after going 3.2 innings without giving up a hit and registering three strikeouts. The pair faced just 34 batters over 10 innings on 93 pitches.
Putty’s two-run home run in the fourth inning marked the first homer of his collegiate career. Johannes launched a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the 10th inning, which proved to be the game-winner.
Daniel Contreras and Kyle Schupmann both went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Nick Groves tallied two hits and two stolen bases. Michael Farina continued his strong start to the season, going 1-for-3 and reaching base twice via hit by pitch.
USF opened the scoring in the bottom of the third, but Illinois quickly responded. In the top of the fourth, Schupmann reached on an infield single and stole second before Putty hit his first-career home run over the left-field fence.
USF’s run in the sixth inning evened the contest, and neither team was able to take the lead through nine innings.
In the top of the 10th, the Illini got a runner aboard via a single from Farina before Johannes entered as a pinch hitter. He connected on the third pitch for his first home run of the season, giving the visitors the lead.
Remington closed out the win in the bottom of the frame, setting up a series-deciding game on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Illinois 4, USF 2.
Who hit the game-winning home run?
Will Johannes hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning to give Illinois the lead.
How many innings did Regan Hall pitch?
Regan Hall pitched 6.1 innings.
As Illinois prepares for the series finale against USF on Sunday, what adjustments might they create to build on Saturday’s momentum and secure a series victory?
