Eureka Falls in Doubleheader at Illinois College

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Strong efforts in the circle and late scoring chances were not enough for Eureka on Wednesday as the Red Devils were swept by Illinois College, 8-0 and 5-0.

GAME 1: Illinois College 8, Eureka 0 (6 innings)

In the opener, Eureka held Illinois College off the board early behind a strong start from Shaylun Christenberry (Brocton, Ill./Shiloh), who tossed four scoreless innings to begin the game. The Red Devils, however, were unable to generate offense.

Eureka's first baserunner came in the third inning when Christenberry reached on an error, but the opportunity went unconverted. Tylar Whitaker (Country Club Hills, Ill./Rich Township) recorded the team's only hit of the game with a double in the fourth, though she was left stranded.

Illinois College broke through in the fifth, scoring five runs to take control. The Lady Blues added three more in the sixth to secure the run-rule victory.

Whitaker finished 1 for 2 with a double. Christenberry worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs (five earned) on 11 hits with two strikeouts.

GAME 2: Illinois College 5, Eureka 0

In the second game, Illinois College struck early, plating a run in the first inning and never relinquishing the lead.

Eureka threatened multiple times but was unable to capitalize. In the fourth, Whitaker reached to start the inning and Ashlyn Voyles (Farmer City, Ill./Blue Ridge) reached on a fielder's choice, with an error keeping Whitaker aboard. Whitaker was later thrown out at the plate, and the Red Devils came away empty.

The Lady Blues extended their lead to 2-0 in the fifth before adding three insurance runs in the sixth.

Eureka mounted its best threat in the seventh. Kaitlyn Robinson (Macomb, Ill./Macomb) led off with a single, and Lexi Liptak (Lemont, Ill./Lemont) reached on a fielder's choice while an error kept Robinson on base. A passed ball moved both runners into scoring position, and Danika Apostolovich (Riverside, Ill./Riverside-Brookfield) followed with a single to load the bases with one out. Illinois College, however, recorded the final two outs to preserve the shutout.

Voyles went 2 for 4 to lead Eureka offensively, while Robinson added two hits in three at-bats. Apostolovich recorded the other hit for the Red Devils. Kayleigh Zerrusen (Teutopolis, Ill./Teutopolis) and Whitaker each reached base twice via walks.

Robinson pitched a complete game, allowing five runs on 12 hits while striking out five.

UP NEXT

Eureka returns home Saturday to face Webster in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. The Red Devils will also honor seniors Ashlyn Voyles, Lexi Liptak and, Danika Apostolovich prior to the game as part of Senior Day.