Illinois rebounded today from there defeat against Army yesterday by solidly beating University of Hartford today 7-3 down in Florida. In the first, they took a quick 3-0 lead with the help of a Dom Altobelli two-run double.
From there, they never looked back. In the third, they added two more (once again, with help from a double from Altobelli… this time scoring Wikoff who got on with a walk). Two more runs scored in the fourth behind a sac fly by Casey McMurray and an Aaron Johnson base hit.
Starter Ben Reeser was the big hero of the game today. While Phil Haig and his gaudy ERA have been getting the headlines lately, not enough can be said for Reeser who is now 3-0. Today, Reeser allowed six hits with no earned runs and just one walk in six innings against the Hawks. Reeser was perfect through his first four innings.
After today’s game, Reeser’s ERA sank to 2.30.
And let’s not forget the bullpen. Blake Fairchild, Corey Kimes, and John Anderson allowed only three hits and a run in three frames.
Joe Bonadonna turned on the wheels for today. He stole three bases. For the season, he has 10 swipes in 12 attempts.
The Illini finish up with three games against Central Connecticut State in the next three days in the Sunshine State.