The Illinois Fighting Illini broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning to defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 7-4, clinching the series weekend series with a win in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader.

The three game series was played Friday and Saturday with inclement weather expected in Minneapolis on Sunday.

Illinois was paced by Cal Hejza, who went 3-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs. Coltin Quagliano picked up three hits as well, going 3-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs. 

Four Illinois runs were scored with two outs.

Jake Rons got the win out of the bullpen for the Illini, with Joe Glassey earning the save by tossing two scoreless frames to end the game. Cooper Omans took no decision in the start, allowing just one run on two hits over 5.0 innings of work.

Minnesota jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two and never looked back, as Illinois had its seven-game winning streak snapped in an 8-3 defeat.

Cameron Chee-Aloy went 3-for-5 with a double, the lone Illini to have a multi-hit effort in the ballgame. He has reached base safely in 15-straight games and in 26 of 27 overall.

Illinois earned a fourth-straight series victory.

Despite the loss, every Fighting Illini starter reached base safely but left 12 runners on base.

Illinois returns to Illinois Field to begin a nine-game homestand with a midweek contest vs. Illinois State. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.