Illinois Baseball Wins First Game in Extra Innings vs. USF

Fighting Illini prevail 4-2 behind home runs from Putty and Johannes

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Illinois secured its first win of the season on Saturday with a 4-2 extra-innings road victory over USF. Home runs from AJ Putty and Will Johannes fueled the Fighting Illini offense, while Regan Hall and Kyle Remington combined for 10 innings of two-hit ball.

Why it matters

This early season win is an important momentum boost for the Illinois baseball team as they look to build on their success and compete in a tough conference schedule. The efficient pitching performance and timely hitting from the Illini offense demonstrate their ability to win close games, a valuable skill for a team aiming to make a postseason run.

The details

Hall went 6.1 innings, striking out six while allowing just one earned run and two hits. Remington entered in relief, earning the win after going 3.2 innings without giving up a hit and registering three strikeouts. Putty's two-run home run in the fourth inning marked the first homer of his collegiate career. Johannes launched a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the 10th inning, which proved to be the game-winner.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 16, 2026.
  • Putty hit his first career home run in the fourth inning.
  • Johannes hit the game-winning two-run home run in the 10th inning.

The players

AJ Putty

An Illinois baseball player who hit a two-run home run, the first of his collegiate career.

Will Johannes

An Illinois baseball player who hit a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the 10th inning to give the Illini the lead.

Regan Hall

An Illinois baseball pitcher who went 6.1 innings, striking out six while allowing just one earned run and two hits.

Kyle Remington

An Illinois baseball pitcher who entered in relief, earning the win after going 3.2 innings without giving up a hit and registering three strikeouts.

Daniel Contreras

An Illinois baseball player who went 3-for-4 at the plate.

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What they’re saying

“This level of control is crucial for sustained success throughout a long season and highlights their ability to minimize opportunities for the opposing team.”

— Samantha Carter, Editor-in-Chief (Newsy-Today.com)

What’s next

The Illini and USF will play the series-deciding game on Sunday.

The takeaway

Illinois' efficient pitching performance and timely hitting from their offense demonstrate the team's ability to win close games, a valuable skill as they look to build momentum and compete in their conference schedule.