Illinois outscored No. 20 Nebraska, 10-5, Friday in Champaign, Ill. The Fighting Illini scored a run in the second and six in the third to open a 7-0 lead and held on from there to take the first game of the series.
The Cornhuskers rallied for a run in the top of the fifth and three in the sixth, shrinking the Illinois lead to 7-4. But the Fighting Illini responded with three in the bottom of the sixth to push the lead to 10-4. Nebraska scored one run in the seventh, but drew no closer.
Cooper Katskee struggled again as the Friday night starter, allowing seven runs (two earned) and six hits in 2.2 innings pitched. Jalen Worthley, Ty Horn and Kevin Mannell combined to allow just three runs over 5.1 innings pitched, but by then, the damage was done. Jett Buck paced the Huskers offense, hitting 2-for-4 with an RBI and a double.
Regan Hall earned the win on the mound for the Illini, allowing four earned runs in seven innings. Jack Zebig led the Illinois offense, hitting 3-for-5 with two RBI and a home run. Will Johannes had four RBI and a home run.
Nebraska will try to even its series with the Illini Saturday at 3 p.m. in Champaign, Ill. Pregame coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on KLIN.