JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College baseball team saw an early eight-run lead slip away on Wednesday afternoon, falling to Illinois Wesleyan 16-14 in a wild non-conference matchup at Joe Brooks Field.
The Blueboys move to 20-14 overall, while Illinois Wesleyan improves to 14-18.
Illinois College came out firing in the second inning, erupting for eight runs on seven hits to take early control. Nicholas Muskopf and Nolan Decker each launched solo home runs to start the scoring, while Sean Raffa and Tyler Barker added RBI singles. Ketch Mills broke the inning open with a three-run home run, and Muskopf capped the frame with his second homer of the inning to give the Blueboys an 8-0 lead.
Illinois Wesleyan got on the board in the fifth with three runs before erupting for 11 in the sixth to take a 14-8 lead.
Illinois College answered in the bottom of the sixth, as Josh Morales led off with a solo home run and Ketch Mills followed with a two-run shot. Tyler Grzela later added an RBI single to cut the deficit to 14-12.
The Blueboys continued the comeback in the seventh, tying the game at 14-14. Barker scored on an error before Muskopf delivered an RBI double to even things up.
Illinois Wesleyan regained the lead in the eighth, scoring two runs on RBI doubles to go back in front 16-14.
Illinois College threatened late, but was unable to push across the tying run as the Titans closed out the game.
The Blueboys finished with 16 hits in the contest. Muskopf led the way with four hits, three RBIs, and two home runs, while Mills powered the offense with three hits and five RBIs, including two home runs. Barker added two hits and three runs scored, and Fleener and Grzela each recorded multi-hit performances.
On the mound, Cameron Sievers was charged with the loss in relief. Illinois Wesleyan's Nathan Waterman earned the win, while Brayden Elliott picked up the save.
Up Next
The Blueboys return home this weekend to host Knox College in their final regular season home series, beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
