Top 1st - Illinois strikes early as it wastes no time showing that it belongs in the tournament. Brandon Wikoff hits a double to right in the second at-bat of the game. Iowa's starting pitcher Steve Turnbull might be letting nerves get to him - he hits Mike Rohde, then one batter later, has a wild pitch that moves both Wikoff and Rohde into scoring position. Dan Webb's double brings in both runners, handing Iowa an early 2-0 deficit. It doesn't seem like a large hole, but it looks like this might be a long game for the Hawkeyes.

Top 2nd - Illinois is getting the multi-base hits today, as a Kyle Hudson triple gives Illinois another run. It doesn't look like Turnbill will last much longer ... Wikoff hits again, an RBI single, and the Illini are now up 4-0.

Top 3rd - Iowa is still an offensive nonfactor, but they're hoping that new pitcher Michael Jacobs will help to curb Illinois' scoring streak. Another run for the Illini, an RBI single by Shawn Roof. Illinois is getting the big hits early - it'll be interesting to see if this will last. 5-0, Illinois.

6th - It's been a quick past three innings, as neither team has had many notable plays. Iowa's pitching is starting to contain Illinois's batters. Big hitter Lars Davis has been a nonfactor.

Bottom 8th - Is Iowa starting to come back? After Illinois's one run in the top of the 7th, making it 6-0, Iowa has scored for the first time this game. Travis Sweet, a First Team All-Big Ten athlete, tripled to right-center field to send in two runners, both of whom had reached base on singles. Three hits, two runs, to make it 6-2 - with only one out.

Iowa scores again to narrow the deficit to three runs - 6-3 - on a fielder's choice that sends Sweet home. The Hawkeyes have one more chance to get their bats going, but it looks like it might be too late.

Top 9th - The game is over. Illinois now has a 12-3 lead after scoring six runs this inning. After Jacobs intentionally walked Davis, probably a good call with runners on second and third (thanks to a walk and a single), Rohde singled to right to score both runners. The Illini scored again, twice, after an error by Iowa right fielder Matt Wooldrik. Like the coaches said on Tuesday, committing errors is the fastest way to lose in this league - Big Ten offenses capitalize on careless errors, and this error just put the game out of reach.

Bottom 9th - Illinois starting pitcher Tanner Roark, who I haven't yet mentioned but has pitched a complete game, just struck out Iowa catcher Ben Geelan for the third out and the game. To make it worse, Geelan struck out looking - a fitting end for this Hawkeyes team that just lost by nine runs to a team who is looking pretty hot right now.

Final score: Illinois 12, Iowa 3.

Illinois will play either Michigan or Minnesota tomorrow, while Iowa will play the loser of the Penn State - Ohio State game later today.