CORPUS CHRISTI – A late-inning surge from Illinois proved too much for Abilene Christian to overcome, as the Wildcats dropped an 11-6 decision Saturday afternoon at Whataburger Field.
ACU struck first in the third inning but saw Illinois breakthrough in the later frames, including a seven-run seventh that put the game out of reach. After ACU took a 1-0 lead in the third on a solo home run by Diego Cardenas, Illinois responded with a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth to go up 3-1. The Wildcats rallied in the seventh, plating three runs to take a 4-3 lead momentarily. However, Illinois erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the inning, swinging the momentum decisively.
Diego Cardenas powered the Wildcats' offense, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Maddox Miesse and Grant Watkins each doubled, with Miesse reaching base three times. Brett Lanman turned in a solid start, working 4.2 innings and allowing just one run on four hits with four strikeouts.
Illinois' Drake Westcott led the charge for the Fighting Illini, belting a two-run homer as part of his two-hit, two-RBI day.
ACU collected 10 hits but left 11 runners stranded. Illinois had 12 hits and took advantage of eight walks issued by Wildcat pitching. Both teams committed an error, but Illinois' timely hitting made the difference.
ACU will look to bounce back in the series finale on Sunday at Whataburger Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. CT.
