Illinois-Chicago scored 14 runs in the 2nd inning, built a 22-4 lead after 3 innings, then held on despite a furious Northwestern comeback to down the Wildcats out of the Big 10, 24-20, Tuesday night.
Jackson Bessette went 5-for-6 with 5 runs and 5 RBIs, including 2 doubles, a homer, and 2 singles for 10 total bases. The homer was Bessette’s first of the season. Cole Conn (4-for-7, 3 runs, 3 RBIs) and Breck Nowik (2-for-5, 1 run, 4 RBIs) also homered for the Flames. UIC (14-14) pounded out 19 hits, drew 10 walks, and had 6 batters hit.
Northwestern (5-22), which has had a myriad of struggles this season, started its comeback by scoring 7 runs in the 4th inning, Down 24-12 in the 8th, the Wildcats added 6 more to cut the margin in half, then Northwestern added 2 in the 9th, but were unable to complete the rally. The 24 runs scored and 20 runs allowed were both the most this season for UIC.
The Flames have beaten Northwestern twice this season, having also prevailed on March 7, 10-6. Tonight’s game marked the 2nd time this season that Northwestern had allowed 24 runs – the other being a 24-9 loss to Texas State on February 19. Despite their 5-22 overall record, the Wildcats are 3-3 in the Big 10, having won a conference series against Illinois and dropped one to Purdue, both 2-1.
UIC hosts Missouri State, while Northwestern is at Nebraska this weekend.
Life in the Valley 
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