Illinois home opener against Chicago State was everything but a clean game.

The Illini struggled on the mound but did just enough to earn the win 11-8 against Chicago State.

Senior Jimmy Burnette allowed five earned runs and four walks in just 2.2 innings pitched. Sophomore pitcher Caleb Larson came in to relieve Burnette and helped carry the Illini for another 3.1 innings. Grant Leader Grant Leader and Ryan Kutt followed with one inning, respectively. And Garett Acton came in to close.

But we weren’t the worst team on the mound Tuesday evening by any means, there were four Illinois players hit by pitches (Alex Steinbach, Taylor Jackson, Andrew Dyke, and Jacob Campbell).

The Illini were tied with Chicago State 5-5 going into the 5th inning when Freshman Danny Doligale came through and singled up the middle for a two-run RBI.

Illinois shortstop Branden Comia had another great game offensively, earning a  career-high four hits, four RBIs, a single, two doubles, and triple.

The Illini had a smooth sailing last few innings to close the night.

Next, Illinois travels to Elon, North Carolina, for a weekend series.