No. 11 Illinois scored seven runs over the final three innings and came back twice to earn its 11th straight win with a 7-3 victory on Tuesday.

Ryne Roper led the Illini with three hits and an RBI. Reid Roper added a pair of hits and an RBI as well.

Only two Illini regulars failed to record a hit Tuesday as the Illini pounded out 11 hits in the victory.

The loss spoiled a strong outing by Redbird starter Steve Heilenbach, who allowed just two runs over seven innings. Heilenbach scattered six hits and did not allow a walk. He struck out four.

Joe Kelch led the Redbird offense with three hits Tuesday. Jared Hendren had two hits and a walk.

Junior Nick Blackburn posted zeroes in both the eighth and ninth for his first career save.

The Redbirds are back on the road this weekend, with a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series at Southern Illinois beginning Friday.

No. 11 Illinois will host a three-game series against Indiana at Illinois Field this weekend.