GRINNELL, Iowa – A historic season for the Illinois College baseball team came to an end on Saturday afternoon as the Blueboys fell to Grinnell College, 16-3, in an elimination game at Pioneer Park in the Midwest Conference Tournament.

Illinois College closes the 2026 campaign with a program-record 26 victories, surpassing the previous school record of 22 wins, while rewriting several marks throughout one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Grinnell struck quickly in the opening inning, using a grand slam to jump in front 4-0. The Blueboys answered immediately in the bottom half, as Ketch Mills launched a two-run home run to left field, scoring Tyler Barker and cutting the deficit in half.

That would be as close as Illinois College would get.

Grinnell added a run in the third before scoring two more in the fourth and two in the fifth to steadily build its lead. Illinois College pushed across its final run in the fifth when Nolan Decker lined an RBI single up the middle to score Mills, making it 9-3.

The hosts continued to add on late, including a six-run seventh inning, to pull away and secure the victory.

Illinois College finished with six hits on the afternoon. Mills turned in a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a walk. Decker added a hit and drove in a run, while Barker, Nathan Walker, and Josh Morales each collected hits.

Blue Notes
Although Saturday marked the end of the season, this year's Blueboys team established itself as one of the most accomplished groups in program history. Illinois College's 26 wins set a new program record, and the team's performances throughout the season resulted in historic marks across the record book.