EASLEY—Josh Abner pitched a complete 7-inning game, allowing five hits and just one base-on-balls, while striking out 9 to lead Louisiana to a 5-1 win over Illinois Thursday night on Field One of the J.B. “Red” Owens Recreation Complex.

The win gives Louisiana a 1-0 record in the United States Pool. Louisiana and Pennsylvania are tied in the United State Pool, a half a game behind 2-0 California.

Louisiana faces the host team, S.C. District One, 4 p.m. Friday on Field Three.

Illinois drops to 0-2, perhaps falling out of contention for a spot in the pool championship series next Tuesday. The U.S. Central representative faces California 9 a.m. Friday on Field One.

Neither Illinois no Louisiana scored in the first inning, but in the bottom of the second, Louisiana got on the board.

Landon Williams opened the inning with a double. He was knocked in when Stephen Gandy singled, then reached second base on a fielding error. Two batters later, Andy Roberts singled to advance Gandy to third base. Gandy scored on a single by Corey Jones, giving Louisiana a 2-0 lead after two innings.

In the top of the third, Illinois scored its only run of the game. Tom Falbo opened the inning with a single. Jim Mallek hit a sacrifice bunt to move Falbo to second base, then Falbo reached third on a wild pitch. Cody Williams grounded out, allowing Falbo to score and cut the Louisiana lead to 2-1.

In the bottom of the third, Ryan Gebhardt opened with a home to move the Louisiana margin back to two runs. Landon Williams earned a walk, and then moved to second base when Stephen Gandy was also walked. Williams scored on a single by Chase Hesson, giving Louisiana a 4-1 lead after three innings.

Louisiana score its final run of the game in the fourth inning. Jacob Hollis reached base on a fielder’s choice play. Colby Johnson singled and Ryan Gebhardt was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Landon Williams singled, scoring Hollis from third to give Louisiana a 5-1 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Louisana had another scoring threat, with the bases loaded just one out. Andy Roberts reached base on a walk. Chase Patterson came in a pinch runner. Patterson reached second when Corey Jones singled. A Jacob Hollis single loaded the bases. But Illinois was able to escape the inning without giving up another run.

Illinois’ last chance came in the top of the seventh inning. With one out, T.J. Bujanski reached on a fielder’s choice play. Jay Modelski then singled, giving the U.S. Central representative runners on first and second. But Louisiana pitcher Josh Absher was able to end the game with a strikeout.

Chris Chigas was the losing pitcher for Illinois.