EVANSTON – Pete Cappetta had a career-high four hits – including two doubles and a home run – and four RBI as No. 28 Illinois stayed in first place in the Big Ten with a wild 15-12 baseball win against Northwestern on Saturday.

"Offensively, we did a great job of getting an early lead and tacking on runs throughout the game," UI coach Dan Hartleb said.

Five Illini had at least three hits in a 20-hit attack. Still, the Illini didn't seal it until freshman Will Strack induced a double play and another grounder in the bottom of the ninth to earn his second career save.

"Will did a nice job of getting those two ground balls," Hartleb said. "He just goes out ready to get the job done in whatever situation we need him."

Like Cappetta, Dominic Altobelli fell a triple short of the cycle, going 3 for 6 with a homer, a double, three RBI and three runs. His hitting his streak reached 12 games, including nine in a row multi-hit efforts. Josh Parr was 3 for 5 with two doubles and Brandon Wikoff was 3 for 5 with a double, three RBI and two runs.

In softball:

Illinois 5, Minnesota 4. Shortstop Ashley Conrad was 3 for 3 with a home run as Illinois (28-15, 11-7 Big Ten) won on the road.

"She had a complete ballgame," UI coach Terri Sullivan said. "We challenged the team earlier this week about who wants to be a leader that gives everything. Ashley looked for her pitch against the leading strikeout pitcher in the nation, so she was really a leader in keeping momentum on our side."

Monica Perry (23-13) had five strikeouts in a complete-game effort. Kelley Wedel had two RBI, and Katrina Ross and Hollie Pinchback also had RBI.

"This was one of our best games in terms of our team sticking with the game plan and focusing on each half inning, both offensively and defensively," Sullivan said.

In track:

Illini roll. Shannon Phelan (800), Christina Beaird (3,000), Deserea Brown (400 hurdles), Alexandria Smith (triple jump), Aja Evans (shot put) and Danyelle Michelini (javelin) won events as the UI women's team dominated the Illinois Invitational.

"Our home track is a good environment to relax and just run fast," UI coach Tonja Buford-Bailey said. "Today was the best weather conditions we've seen in the last month, and we capitalized on it."

A pair of former Illini greats enjoyed their homecoming. Perdita Felicien won the 100 hurdles and Gia Lewis-Smallwood won the discus.

In the men's race, Matt McHugh set a school record in winning the hammer (190 feet, 4 inches). Gary Miller (800), Greg Shroka (high jump) and Alex Baldwin (pole vault) also won events for Illinois.