Wildcats Fall in Series Opener at Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Northwestern dropped its series opener, 12-0 in seven innings, at Illinois on Friday evening at Illinois Field. Illinois (25-23, 11-14) got on the board with one in the second, added seven in the third and four in the fourth en route to the run-rule victory. LHP Ryan Weaver (1-7) is credited with the loss for Northwestern (20-26-1, 7-18 Big Ten), surrendering eight runs on seven hits in 2.2 innings pitched. LHP Sam Michel worked 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, allowing two hits and two walks. Game two of the weekend series is scheduled for Saturday at 5:30...