OXFORD, Miss. — Two weeks ago Illinois baseball won its 36th game. The 5-3 win at Michigan State clinched the series against the Spartans and marked the sixth straight series victory for the Illini to end Big Ten play.
That was also the last win of the season. The Illini’s trip to Omaha, Neb., was a short one with losses to Maryland and Michigan for a quick, 0-2 exit. Their trip to Oxford for NCAA regional play didn’t last any longer.
Facing elimination in Saturday’s noon game against Jacksonville State, Illinois faltered. A 4-0 lead evaporated, was regained and then disappeared again as the Gamecocks finished off their 7-5 comeback victory to end the Illini’s season.