This weekend, the Illini will be headed to Penn State and their award winning stadium, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park
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Game #36 |
Record: 23-11 (8-4 Big Ten) |
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vs Penn State University Nittany Lions | at Medlar Field, University Park, PA |
| April 24 | 5:35pm CT | |
| April 25 | 3:35pm CT | |
| April 26 | 10:05am CT* |
* time changed from original schedule
Penn State overall has done well with a 21-16 record. Against the Big Ten though, they are 5-7 only good for a three-way tie for 6th place. so they’re playing for their lives (i.e. Big Ten qualification). Ironic though that one of the other teams they’re fighting with in 6th place is none other than Michigan.
Statistically speaking, the Nittany Lions are in the middle of pack. Sixth in the Big Ten in hitting, sixth in pitching, and sixth and fielding. Unfortunately for them, they don’t make up for it with power. They are tied for last in homeruns with just 16 (for comparison, Illinois is much better at 19 but our average is 22 points higher).
Yet, with newcomers Blake Lynd and Jordan Steranka as well as veterans Cory Wine hitting the cover the ball, they’re going to be formidable opponents.
In the position they are in, with their backs up against the wall, they will be rarin’ to go.
Opponent:
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Penn State University Nittany Lions |
| Conference: | Big Ten |
| Head Coach: | Robbie Wine (5th year) |
| Current Record: | 21-16 (5-7 Big Ten) |
| Baseball Program website | Team Media Guide |
| Penn State Team Facts: | Coach Robbie Wine is son of former major league SS Bobby Wine and father of Penn State 1B Cory Wine. |
| Penn State Players to Watch: | Freshman Jordan Steranka is off to a great start. He’s leading the Lions in hitting (.388), homeruns (tied with 4), rbis (36) and slugging (.576). |