April 24, 2010
Box Score
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Wisconsin offense managed just one hit as No. 19 Illinois shut out the Badgers, 6-0, on Saturday afternoon. The Illini put up all six runs in the first two innings, powered by a pair of two-run home runs by Meredith Hackett.
After having four base runners in the first five innings, all via walk or hit by pitch, the Badgers recorded their first hit in the top of the sixth as junior Jennifer Krueger reached on a bunt single. UW was unable to do anything with the hit though as a pair of fielder's choices ended the frame.
Krueger also managed a walk in the game, and fellow junior Ashley Hanewich recorded a pair of free passes. Freshman Shannel Blackshear also reached twice, both times after being hit by a pitch.
Illinois struck early, taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the first on a two-run home run by Meredith Hackett to left center field.
A two-out rally increased Illinois' lead to 6-0 after two innings.
After two quick strikeouts, Danielle Vaji singled to left field. That was followed by a throwing error by senior Letty Olivarez, enabling Vaji to score and allowing Danielle Zymkowitz to reach second. Hope Howell kept things going with a double to left field before Hackett stepped in and recorded her second two-run homer of the day, this one to dead-center.
A strong relief effort from freshman Meghan Mcintosh kept the Badgers in the game after the second inning. She entered with two outs in the second and proceeded to give up just two hits and no runs, while striking out four and walking two over the final four and one-third innings.
The Badgers and Illini close out the two-game series Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. (CT), and the game can be seen live on BigTenNetwork.com.
