Illini secondbaseman Josh Parr who is barely getting his feet wet in college ball, has already been honored by the conference by being named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week.
Considering his performance at the Al Ogletree Tournament over the weekend, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. Parr was 7 for 10 with 5 rbis. More importantly, he hit in the clutch. He was 3-3 with runners in scoring position.
Ohio State catcher Dan Burkhart was also named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week. Cullie Sexton of Minnesota was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week.
In related news. check out Illini Team Manager Michael Schroeder’s Diamond Notes for the week. It seems Schroeder was “going mobile” as he was typing this in the McAllen, Texas airport as the team was on their way home.
In previous posts, I’ve been going on and on about the incredible starting pitching we’ve been getting. Schroeder gives the Illini bullpen their due:
…a quartet of young hurlers have gotten their feet wet at the beginning of this season. John Anderson, Corey Kimes, Blake Fairchild and Lee Zerrusen have not allowed an earned run so far this year. Anderson even held a one-run lead in the ninth today against Texas-Arlington to earn a save. Combine these guys out of the bullpen with the stellar starting outings that Phil Haig, Aaron Martin and Ben Reeser have contributed, and you have a pitching staff that seems to have found its groove to start the year.
Again, nice work all around, team!