Sarah Bryers set a new school record with seven RBIs in Illinois' 17-3 victory over UIC.

March 25, 2008

CHICAGO - Centerfielder Sarah Bryers blasted two home runs, including her first career grand slam, and collected a school-record seven RBIs to lead Illinois (16-16) to a 17-3 victory in game one over the Illinois-Chicago Flames (9-20) at Flames Field. The offense exploded again in game two, pounding 14 hits en route to an 11-2 win to complete the doubleheader sweep.

"Our team showed a lot of confidence and determination at the plate today," head coach Terri Sullivan said. "We were getting quality at-bats and threatening in every inning. What we were most pleased with is that so many different players came through today. We used the whole field to hit and that shows your hitters are seeing the ball well."

Bryers seven RBIs mark the most in a single game in Illinois history, surpassing the record of six set by Rachelle Coriddi in 2003 and tied by Angelena Mexicano in 2006.The 17 hits tied the fourth most in school history, while the 17 runs are the seventh most ever recorded.

Mexicano was unstoppable against the Flames, reaching base in each of her at-bats in both games and finishing the day a perfect 6-for-6 with three walks. The junior shortstop recorded four RBIs, including a home run, and crossed the plate six times on the day.

"(Mexicano and Bryers) both put up some amazing numbers today and got their teammates excited," Sullivan said. "They showed that when you get in your zone and you're feeling it, good things can happen. They're a proven example that confidence is half the battle in hitting and they were certainly electric hitters today. Both of them really ignited our team offensively and everyone else fed off of that."

Not only did Bryers and Mexicano have big days at the plate, but the bats were on fire throughout the entire Illinois lineup. Catcher Lana Armstrong totaled seven RBIs on the day, while third baseman Shanna Diller contributed four and designated player Hollie Pinchback and first baseman Audrey Gallien each added three. All nine starters had at least one hit and scored at least one run in the first game.

Illinois jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning of game one after Mexicano's home run and back-to-back doubles from Diller and Armstrong. With one out, Mexicano took a 1-1 pitch deep over the left-centerfield wall for her team-leading 10th home run of the season. Diller followed with a double to the gap in left-center then Armstrong drove her home on a double the opposite way.

The Orange and Blue then churned out nine runs in the third, opening the inning with the first five batters reaching base safely. Four different Illini drove in runs in the inning, highlighted by Bryers' full-count grand slam to right-center. Illinois batted through the order, with Mexicano collecting two hits and crossing the plate twice. Diller and Armstrong also reached base twice in the inning and each drove in a run.

The Illini added four more runs in the top of the fifth when Gallien slugged a two-RBI triple and Bryers followed with her second homer of the day, a two-run shot to left field seal the 17-3 run-rule win.

Starting pitcher Claire DeVreese (11-10) tossed four innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits to pick up the win, while Ashley Wright came on for the final inning and retired the Flames in order.

Illinois got off to another hot start in the first inning, as the first five batters reached safely and three runs crossed the plate. Second baseman Danielle Zymkowitz got things rolling after reaching on a leadoff error, then Diller, Armstrong and Pinchback each slapped RBI-singles to put the Illini on the board.

The Illini added three more runs in the third and sixth innings to go up 9-0. After back-to-back walks in the third, Armstrong roped a two-RBI double and Pinchback followed with an RBI single. The Orange and Blue used a walk and four singles in the sixth to build their lead.

UIC put a run across in the fifth and sixth innings to cut Illinois' lead to 9-2, but the Illini offense continued to surge in the seventh, adding a pair of runs when Diller took a bases loaded walk and Armstrong knocked a fielder's choice to cap off the 11-2 victory.

Starter Vicky Brown (1-2) picked up the win, allowing two earned runs on six hits while striking out five in the complete game performance.

Illinois has a day off before opening the home portion of the season on Thursday, hosting the Loyola Ramblers for a 4 p.m. doubleheader. The Illini will get their first glimpse of playing at the newly renovated Eichelberger Field at Martin Stadium. Admission is free to everyone for both games.