Corpus Christi, TX – Abilene Christian closed out their three-game series at Whataburger Field with a hard-fought 6-2 loss to Illinois. The Wildcats held the lead for much of the game, but a six-run eighth inning by the Fighting Illini proved to be the difference.
ACU struck first in the third inning when Zandt Payne delivered an RBI single to bring in Braden Regala to move ahead 1-0. Pitcher Cade McGarrh was dominant on the mound, tossing five shutout innings while allowing just three hits and striking out seven. The Wildcats held their slim lead as McGarrh and reliever Iain Campa combined to keep Illinois scoreless through seven frames.
The Wildcats added a key insurance run in the top of the eighth when Regala singled and later came around to score, making it a 2-0 game. However, Illinois responded with a game-changing bottom half of the inning, erupting for six runs. A two-run double by Greg LaChance tied the game before Drake Westcott's two-run homer gave Illinois a lead they would not relinquish.
Campa (0-1) lost after surrendering six earned runs in three innings of relief. Illinois' Ryan Daly (1-0) earned the win, holding ACU to one run over the final two frames.
The Wildcats finished with five hits on the day, led by Payne's 2-for-4 effort with an RBI. Regala added a hit and a stolen base, while Ranse Radtke also chipped in with a hit and a run scored.
ACU now travels to San Antonio, where they will have their first midweek game on Tuesday against Incarnate Word. The first pitch is at 2 p.m. (CT).
