ILLINI TAKES OPENER OF UTPA/AL OGLETREE CLASSIC

EDINBURG, TX—Illinois scored three runs in their final three at-bats to pull away from Iona and defeat the Gaels, 5-1, in the first game of the UTPA/Al Ogletree Classic at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium Friday afternoon.

Leading, 2-1, in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Fighting Illini got consecutive doubles from third baseman Dusty Bensko and shortstop Eric Eymann to take a 3-1 lead and drive Gael starting pitcher Rob Vaughn from the mound. Marty Hand relieved, and, one out later gave up a run-scoring single to Illinois second baseman T. F. Meagher. Illinois added a run in the eighth on a pinch-hit single by Vince DiMaria, a two-base throwing error by catcher Jason Motte, and an RBI single by Bensko.

The Fighting Illini had taken a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a run-scoring grounder by right fielder Joe Parenti. Illinois made it 2-0 in the fourth when left fielder Trevor Huisinga and Bensko singled. Eymann’s infield out scored Huisinga.

Iona cut the lead in half in the fifth. Shortstop Travis Garcia walked, moved to second on a walk to designated hitter Luke Lambo, and scored on first baseman Mike Perrone’s two-out single up the middle.

Josh Lane, who allowed three hits, walked four and struck out eight in seven innings, earned the victory for Illinois, and improved to 2-0. Vaughn was the loser and fell to 1-1.

Illinois improved to 4-1 with the victory, while Iona dropped to 0-3. Texas-Pan American will play Prairie View A&M at 7:00 Friday evening in the second game of the UTPA/Al Ogletree Classic.

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