Jackson FreemanJackson Freeman

Wildcats Take Series with 14-4 Run-Rule Victory over Illinois

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Box Score

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern clinched a series victory over Illinois with a 14-4 run-rule victory in seven innings on Saturday afternoon at Miller Park.

SERIES DUB ??? pic.twitter.com/8A6IITfhws

— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) March 22, 2025
Northwestern (10-11, 3-3 Big Ten) got on the board first when OF Preston Knott scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first, giving NU a 1-0 lead.

The Wildcats put up five runs in the bottom of the second to take a commanding lead. INF Jack Counsell led off the inning with his first career home run, a solo shot to right, to double NU's advantage. With the bases loaded later in the inning, OF Jackson Freeman hit a grand slam, his second homer of the season, putting the Wildcats up 6-0.

In the bottom of the third, C Bennett Markinson doubled to left-center, scoring INF Trent Liolios. Two batters later, UTL Tyler Ganus singled, scoring Markinson and extending NU's lead to 8-0.

The Fighting Illini (12-9, 2-4 Big Ten) clawed back with four runs in the top of the sixth, cutting NU's lead to 8-4.

Northwestern scored six in the seventh to seal the run-rule win and walk off the Fighting Illini. After Liolios and Counsell reached base to open the inning, Markinson drove in Liolios with a single through the left side. OF Preston Knott cushioned the lead with a bases-loaded walk, scoring Counsell. Next batter, INF Owen McElfatrick was hit by a pitch, pushing Markinson across. Jackson Freeman recorded his fifth RBI of the game on a fielder's choice, bringing Ganus home. With the bases loaded, a two-run double by Trent Liolios ended the game, scoring Freeman and Knott to give the Wildcats the run-rule victory.

LHP Crawford Wade (1-3) earned the win in 6.0 innings of work, surrendering four runs on five hits, striking out three and walking four. RHP Jack Grunkemeyer worked a scoreless inning in relief, walking one, and earning his first career save.

Game Notes
  • Seven different Wildcats recorded an RBI, the most in a single-game since March 22, 2024 at McNeese.
  • OF Jackson Freeman recorded a season-high five RBI, matching his career high.
  • OF Preston Knott went 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs, two doubles, and a walk.
  • C Bennett Markinson went 3-for-3 with three runs, two RBI, a double, and a hit by pitch.
  • INF Trent Liolios recorded his ninth multi-hit game of the season.
  • INF Owen McElfatrick extended his reached-base streak to 15 games.
Northwestern closes out its homestand with a midweek matchup on Tuesday, March 25 against Western Michigan at Miller Park at 3 p.m. CT on B1G+. The Wildcats resume conference play with a three-game series at Maryland next weekend.