Illinois and starting pitcher Bryan Roberts took care of business today as they shut out Northwestern Wildcats 9-0 at Rocky Miller Park in Evanston. With help from Michigan who defeated Ohio State, they are now in sole possession of first place in the Big Ten conference.
Roberts was lights out as he struck out seven ‘Cats and allowed seven hits in seven innings. Reliever Lee Zerrusen did his job as he pitched two scoreless innings to finish the game.
Offensively, Brandon Wikoff was 4 for 5 with three rbis and two runs a double. Willie Argo (stop me if you’ve heard this) continues his slugging pace as he hit a two-run homer to center. In addition to Wikoff, Joe Bonadonna, Casey McMurray, Dom Altobelli. Aaron Johnson all had multi-hit games.
The sweep of the Wildcats puts Illinois at 30-13 and 14-4. Michigan’s 9-2 win over Ohio State at Columbus in front of a Big Ten Network audience is big for the Illini. It gives them a one game advantage going into the big series next weekend.
And not to look too far ahead but Illinois will need every game they can get. Ohio State will be playing last place Iowa the weekend after next. My bet is that there will be lotsa Iowa fans in C-U then.
Way to go Illinois!!!