EASLEY—Pennsylvania took an 8-0 lead after five and a half innings, then held on for an 8-6 win over Illinois Wednesday afternoon in Game Two of the Big League World Series on Field Three of the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex in Easley.

Pennsylvania, the U.S. East representative from Williamsport, now has a 1-0 record in the United States Pool. The East team next plays 7:30 p.m. Friday night against Florida, the U.S. Southeast representative, on Field One.

Illinois, the U.S. Central representative, falls to 0-1 and plays Louisiana, the U.S. Southwest representative, 7:30 p.m. Thursday on Field One.

Vincent Molesky picked up the win for Pennsylvania, going five and a third innings. Kevin Crowley was the losing pitcher for Illinois, also going five and a third innings.

Neither team scored in the first two innings. In the bottom of the third, Pennsylvania Kurt Wertz hit a two-run homer to put the team from Williamsport on the scoreboard, leading 2-0.

In the top of the sixth inning, Pennsylvania seemed to take control of the game, scoring six runs.

Robert Donoto opened the inning with a solo home run. Brian Stopper then hit a single, and was advanced to second on a sacrifice. Anthony Jerkovich came in to pitch for Illinois.

Pennsylvania loaded the bases after Stephen Stopper and Jon Taddeo were both walked.

Michael Spalla then came in to pitch for Illinios. Molesky then singled to score Brian Stopper from third. Colin Kelly followed up with another single, allowing Scott Stopper to score.

Taddeo then scored from third on a passed ball. Molesky scored on a sacrifice by Tony Gotshell. The final run of the inning for Pennsylvania came when Kelly scored on a Illinois throwing error.

Down 8-0 in the bottom of the sixth, things didn’t look good for Illinois. But the U.S. Central team cut its deposit in half in the bottom of the inning.

Tommy Lally opened the inning with a single. Jay Modelski followed with another single. Zach Wiseman came in as a pinch runner for Modelski.

Mike Goshorn then hit a three-run homer to cut the lead to 8-3. Later in the inning, Mark Kaspar hit a solo homer to make the score Pennsylvania 8, Illinois 4 after six innings.

Illinois last chance was the seventh inning. Lally hit a two-run homer, but the U.S. Central representative was unable to complete the comeback.