CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Bradley Baseball took an early lead against the University of Illinois but ultimately fell to the Fighting Illini, 10-2, in the midweek matchup.

Braves Strike First

Bradley jumped on the board in the second inning when AJ Garcia blasted a solo shot to right field. Illinois took the lead in the fifth inning on an RBI double, an RBI fielder's choice, an RBI groundout, an RBI triple, and a sacrifice fly.

Garcia delivered again in the sixth inning with an RBI triple to make it 5-2. Illinois added insurance runs in the seventh inning with an RBI single and a three-run homer to make it 9-2. They added a final run in the eighth inning on an RBI single.

Standout Performances for Bradley

Garcia led the team, going 3-for-4 with a home run, a triple, two RBI, and a run scored. Landon Lowe hit 1-for-3 with a double and a hit by pitch. Sohrab Rezaei also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a walk. 

Hayden Miller also recorded a hit, as he went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

On the Mound

Eli Lehrman made the start for Bradley, pitching three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. Lou Levy took his fourth loss of the season, allowing five runs in 1.1 innings.

Gavin Thompson threw 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up one hit and striking out one.

Standout Performances for Illinois

Michael Farina had a strong game, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base. Sam Reed earned his second win of the season, pitching two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two.

By the Numbers

Bradley: 2 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors

Illinois: 10 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors