CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois baseball had a frustrating start to its final home series of the 2025 season on Friday.
The Illini lost to UCLA, 10-9, after the Bruins’ center fielder stole home in the top of the ninth inning to take the lead.
Illinois initially took the lead with two solo home runs in the bottom of the second. However, UCLA responded with two runs in the third and four in the fourth, gaining a 6-2 advantage.
Dan Hartleb’s squad then produced an impressive seven-run rally in the fifth inning, seizing the momentum. Collin Jennings’ three-run homer was the highlight of the inning for the Orange and Blue.
Innings six and seven were scoreless. Then, UCLA got two back in the eight to cut the Illini lead to 9-8.
The Bruins managed to tie the game with a fielder’s choice groundout in the top of the ninth, leading to a dramatic conclusion. With runners on the corners, Illinois pitcher Zach Bates threw a strike. During the return throw to the mound, UCLA’s center fielder, Payton Brennan, dashed from third, and Bates’ attempt to throw him out at home missed, allowing Brennan to score safely.
Illinois couldn’t rally in the home half of the ninth inning and left with a frustrating 10-9 defeat.
Four errors haunted Illinois. Only seven of UCLA’s 10 runs were earned.
The Illini fall to 27-20 overall, and 12-13 in Big Ten play, with the loss.
Game two of the series is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.
