Box Score

Butler took a quick break from BIG EAST play to make the trip to Urbana, Ill., for a Wednesday night tilt with No. 25 Illinois. The host Fighting Illini came away with an 8-2 win.

It was the eighth consecutive win for Illinois, which improves to 32-10 on the season. Butler is now 17-24.

Illinois got out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third, using four hits to push across two runs. Butler responded immediately in the top of the fourth as freshman Kennedy Minko sent a drive over the left field wall to tie the game. It was Minko's third home run of the season.

Illinois scored two runs in the fourth, followed by a single run in the fifth, and three in the sixth for the final margin. The home team had 14 hits compared to seven for the Bulldogs.

Two of Butler's hits belonged to senior Brandyce Sallee. Madi Christiansen, Sarah Dixon, Alyssa Lach, and Audrey Hiner also had hits for Butler.

Kaitlin Doud got the start for Butler, going 3.2 innings and allowing four runs (two earned). Freshman Gabbi Schnaiter came on in relief, surrendering four runs in 2.1 innings of work.

Taylor Edwards got the win for Illinois, going 5.2 innings and allowing both Butler runs. Nicole Evans hit her 15^th home run of the season for Illinois.

The Bulldogs return to action with a three-game series at Creighton this weekend. The BIG EAST contests will be streamed on Creighton's web site.