May 3, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern had some early opportunities to score first but couldn't cash in as the Wildcats dropped their series finale against No. 28 Illinois 9-0 at Rocky Miller Park Saturday afternoon.
The Wildcats (12-30, 3-13 Big Ten) doubled to lead off both the bottom of the the first and second innings against Illinois starter Bryan Roberts but they were unable to cash in on either instance.
Meanwhile, the Illini took advantage of an error to open the top of the third inning on their way to scoring three times against Zach Morton. Brandon Wikoff had a two-run single and Dominic Altobelli added a sacrifice fly as only one of the runs ended up being earned.
Tommy Finn, who doubled to start the first, singled to start the third inning but he was unable to advance. Willie Argo would then extend the visitors' lead to 5-0 in the top of the fourth as he connected for a two-run homer, his 11th of the season.
Illinois (30-13, 14-4) would continue to add on its advantage, scoring twice more in the fifth and once in the sixth to help the Big Ten leaders pull away.
Roberts (5-2) picked up the win on the mound, surrendering five hits in seven innings of work while striking out seven and walking three. Morton took the loss for the Wildcats after allowing seven runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings pitched. David Jensen hurled 4 2/3 frames of relief, giving up just two runs.
Finn had two hits for Northwestern, while Wikoff paced Illinois with four.
The Wildcats return to action Tuesday when they travel to U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Ind., to face Valparaiso. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. Tickets cost just $5 and are available at the stadium the night of the game.