A six-run third inning provided the fireworks for the Illinois softball team’s 10-2 win over Marshall in an elimination game Saturday night. The Illini advance to Sunday’s Final against host Kentucky. Illinois will need two victories over the Wildcats to advance to the Super Regional. First pitch of the day will begin at Noon ET.
Illinois improves to 39-19 on the year. Marshall’s season ends with a 42-12 record. Illinois’ Erin Walker, who pitched three innings of relief ball is credited with the win. Starter Breanna Wonderly tossed two no-hit innings to begin the game.
Illinois plated 10 runs on 11 hits. Kiana Sherland was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored. Rowan McGuire also totaled a multi-hit outing with a 2-for-3 day at the dish. McGuire added an RBI and a run scored as well. The Illini plated two runs in the opening inning and then added six in the top of the fourth. The designated visitors added a pair of insurance runs in the fifth frame.
Marshall plated two runs in the home half of the fifth in a last-ditch effort to prolong the game. Briana Daiss blasted a pinch-hit two-run homer for the Thundering Herd’s runs.
For continuing coverage of the Lexington Regional visit the tournament central page on UKAthletics.com
Video Links from News Conferences:
Marshall News Conference: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/f859905c56a5f780dfad8e6c32fb965720170520234603/f690cf6976ab55dbd7290fc99b4d2da420170520234603/3e1c0b
Illinois News Conference: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/d4ca3995a9f5420b3459e26f84400ef220170520233802/6445d84ce19e11c9cbb70aefa6a6322c20170520233802/0f3b0c
Deb Moore
Assistant Media Relations Director
University of Kentucky