Michigan State hit eight home runs Sunday to beat the Illinois baseball team 17-6. The Spartans swept the three-game series from the Illini.

 

Michigan State (15-5, 3-0 Big Ten) had 13 hits with eight leaving the ballpark. Brandon Hughes hit three homers and Marty Bechina had two.

 

Illinois (6-15, 0-3 Big Ten) surrendered five home runs in the first two innings, falling behind 7-0. Luke Shilling (1-2) allowed nine runs (eight earned) on six home runs in the first four innings to take the loss.

 

In the ninth, Tyler Engel added a run-scoring triple and Pat McInerney hit his team-leading eighth homer of the season.

 

It was the first time Michigan State swept Illinois since 1979.

 

Illinois is back at home Tuesday against Bradley. Indiana State visits Illinois Field Friday-Sunday.